The Game of Life and How to Play It

What It's About

This classic work of New Thought spirituality presents the idea that a person's thoughts, words, and beliefs directly shape their experiences and circumstances. Through short chapters and anecdotal examples, the book explores themes such as prosperity, health, intuition, forgiveness, love, and success, arguing that spiritual understanding and disciplined thinking can transform everyday life.

The author combines Christian references with metaphysical teachings, encouraging readers to replace fear, doubt, and resentment with faith, affirmation, and expectation of good outcomes. Its conversational style and practical tone helped make it one of the most enduring self-help books of the early twentieth century.

Key Concepts

Major ideas include the power of spoken affirmations, the “law of attraction” before the term became widely popularized, the importance of mental imagery, and the belief that negative thinking blocks opportunity and happiness. The book also emphasizes intuition, gratitude, non-resistance to adversity, and aligning oneself with divine order.

Why It Matters

This work became highly influential within the New Thought movement and later self-help literature, shaping many modern ideas around manifestation and positive thinking. Its straightforward language and memorable affirmations have kept it widely read for decades.

About the Author

Florence Scovel Shinn was an American artist, illustrator, and metaphysical teacher associated with the New Thought movement. After beginning her career as an illustrator, she became known for her lectures and writings on spirituality, prosperity, and the creative power of thought. Her books combined Biblical interpretation with practical advice for everyday life.