New Thought is a spiritual movement that emphasizes the power of positive thinking and focuses on the idea that our thoughts create our reality. The spelling of New Thought is accurately represented by the IPA phonetic transcription as [nu: θɔ:t], where the "n" sound is followed by a short "u" vowel sound, and the "th" sound is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative. The stress is placed on the first syllable, followed by a long "o" sound and a voiceless "th" sound.
New Thought refers to a philosophical and spiritual movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by a belief in the power of thought, positivity, and the ability to create one's own reality through the mind. Proponents of New Thought emphasize the idea that our thoughts and beliefs shape our experiences and circumstances.
At the core of New Thought is the belief that individuals are inherently divine, and that their connection to a higher power or universal consciousness enables them to manifest their desires and achieve personal and spiritual growth. This philosophy promotes the idea that focusing on positive thoughts, affirmations, and visualization can bring about tangible results in one's life.
New Thought encompasses various teachings and practices, including the use of affirmations, visualization techniques, meditation, and prayer. It draws inspiration from a range of religious and philosophical traditions, incorporating elements from Christianity, Eastern spirituality, and metaphysical teachings.
Central to New Thought is the concept of the Law of Attraction, which states that like attracts like. This means that by maintaining positive thoughts and emotions, individuals can attract positive experiences and circumstances into their lives.
New Thought has had a significant influence on the self-help movement, as well as various spiritual and religious traditions. It has inspired countless books, seminars, and workshops aimed at personal growth, empowerment, and the fulfillment of one's potential.
The term "New Thought" emerged in the late 19th century in the United States as a label for a spiritual movement that emphasized the power of thought in shaping one's life. Its etymology can be traced to the time when several spiritual and philosophical movements were seeking to redefine traditional religious and philosophical beliefs.
The term "New Thought" itself suggests a departure from older, more established ways of thinking and a focus on new ideas and perspectives. The movement arose as a reaction to the dominant religious doctrines of the time and aimed to explore alternative ways of understanding spirituality and personal transformation.
"New Thought" was coined by the American theologian and author Phineas Quimby (1802-1866) and later popularized by the writer and leader of the New Thought movement, Warren Felt Evans (1817-1889).