Who Discovered the Law of Assumption? The Complete Story

Who Discovered the Law of Assumption? The Complete Story

The Law of Assumption is a philosophical and spiritual concept that suggests that an individual can bring about desired changes in life through the power of mental assumption. In other words, if a person firmly assumes that a certain state is true, this state will eventually manifest in reality. This concept has been a cornerstone in the fields of motivation, self-help, and metaphysics for many years. But who originally discovered the Law of Assumption? The story isn't tied to a single individual but is rather a tapestry woven from various philosophical, religious, and psychological threads from across history.

Ancient Philosophical Roots

To understand the origins of the Law of Assumption, we must first look back to ancient philosophies. Both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions have hinted at principles akin to the Law of Assumption. In the East, for example, the concept of "Maya" or illusion in Hindu philosophy suggests that the world we experience is a manifestation of our perceptions and assumptions. Similarly, Buddhist teachings discuss how our realities are shaped by our thoughts and desires.

In Western philosophy, the Stoics, such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, believed in the power of the mind to shape one's experiences and reactions to external events. They emphasized that it is not the events themselves that disturb people, but the views they take of them. This can be seen as an early form of the Law of Assumption, where the assumption or perception of reality dictates one’s lived experience.

Biblical Interpretations

The roots of the Law of Assumption also extend deeply into religious teachings. In the Christian Bible, for instance, the concept of faith and belief plays a crucial role, which parallels the foundational ideas of the Law of Assumption. Scriptures such as "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7) and "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29) suggest that belief and mental assumptions can influence one's reality.

Development in Psychological Thought

Moving into more recent times, the Law of Assumption can be seen developing alongside advances in psychology. William James, often referred to as the father of American psychology, proposed ideas about the power of belief and the role of the will in shaping one’s personal realities. His philosophy suggests that the adoption of a belief can lead to its own fulfillment, a concept very much aligned with the Law of Assumption.

Neville Goddard and Modern Understanding

While the Law of Assumption has ancient roots and has been reflected in various teachings, it was Neville Goddard, a mid-20th century mystic and author, who really formulated and popularized the Law of Assumption as we understand it today. Born in Barbados in 1905, Goddard moved to the United States to study drama and dance but eventually veered towards metaphysics and the study of spiritual matters.

Goddard's teachings were revolutionary in that they combined metaphysical concepts with practical applications in personal development. He taught that assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled is the key to manifesting one's desires. According to Goddard, when a person firmly believes in an outcome, their subconscious mind works to bring that outcome to fruition. He explained these ideas in various lectures and books, making the Law of Assumption accessible and practical for everyday life.

Impact and Legacy

The ideas popularized by Neville Goddard have had a profound impact on the fields of self-help and motivational psychology. His teachings have influenced many contemporary thinkers and writers in the realm of positive thinking and the law of attraction, a concept popularized by books like "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. The Law of Assumption, as presented by Goddard, has helped countless individuals to transform their lives by reshaping their beliefs and assumptions.

Conclusion

The discovery of the Law of Assumption cannot be attributed to a single individual or moment in history. It is a concept that has evolved through various philosophical, religious, and psychological paradigms throughout human history. From the Stoics and biblical teachings to William James and Neville Goddard, the Law of Assumption has been shaped and reshaped in numerous forms. Today, it stands as a powerful tool in the arsenal of personal development, offering individuals a way to actively shape their reality through the power of positive assumptions. Understanding its historical context enriches our appreciation and application of this profound principle, reminding us of the deep-seated power of our own beliefs in shaping our destinies.