Eight Pillars of Prosperity by James Allen (the author of As a Man Thinketh)

Discussion on Energy, Economy, Integrity, Systems, Sympathy, Sincerity, Impartiality, Self-Reliance, and the Temple of Prosperity.

It is popularly supposed that a greater prosperity for individuals or nations can only come through a political and social reconstruction.This cannot be true apart from the practice of the moral virtues in the individuals that comprise a nation. Better laws and social conditions will always follow a higher realization of morality among the individuals of a community, but no legal enactment can give prosperity to, nay, it cannot prevent the ruin of, a man or a nation that has become lax and decadent in the pursuit and practice of virtue. The moral virtues are the foundation and support of prosperity as they are the soul of greatness. They endure forever, and all the works of man which endure are built upon them. Without them there is neither strength, stability, nor substantial reality, but only ephemeral dreams. To find moral principles is to have found prosperity, greatness, truth, and is therefore to be strong, valiant, joyful, and free.

James Allen (1864-1912) was an Englishman who retired from the business world to pursue a lifestyle of writing and contemplation. His books are classics in the fields of inspiration and spirituality. Allen authored several other books that deal with the power of thought including THE PATH OF PROSPERITY, EIGHT PILLARS OF PROSPERITY and James Allen's BOOK OF MEDITATION FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR. Allen's books illustrate the use of the power of thought to increase personal capabilities. James Allen's work continue to influence people around the world, including the New Thought movement.