Let's be clear: This isn't a storybook. There are no characters or plot twists in the traditional sense. Instead, think of it as an instruction manual for your mind. Wattles lays out his core idea right away: Getting rich is a exact science, like chemistry or algebra. If you follow the correct principles—a specific way of thinking, acting, and relating to the world—wealth is the guaranteed result.

The Story

The 'story' is the journey of your own thinking. Wattles systematically dismantles the idea that wealth is a limited pie we fight over. He argues for a creative, not competitive, mindset. The book walks you through steps like forming a clear mental image of what you want, cultivating deep gratitude, and taking efficient, purposeful action ('acting in a Certain Way'). The conflict is internal: your old beliefs about scarcity versus this new theory of creative abundance.

Why You Should Read It

I love this book for its sheer, unshakable confidence. It's less about money tips and more about installing a new operating system for your ambitions. The language is old-fashioned, but the concepts feel surprisingly modern—it's the great-grandfather of today's 'law of attraction' and mindset coaching. Whether you fully buy it or not, it forces you to examine your own beliefs about possibility, work, and what you think you deserve.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone feeling stuck in a scarcity mindset, entrepreneurs looking for a philosophical boost, or curious readers who enjoy historical self-help. If you want practical budgeting advice, look elsewhere. But if you're ready for a short, potent, and provocative mental reset about what's possible, this century-old book might be exactly what you need.