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The Infinite Way

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Now considered a spiritual classic, The Infinite Way was Joel Goldsmith’s first book. After its publication, Joel said that he was no longer a man with a message, but a message with a man. Joel introduces The Infinite Way by saying, "In this small volume I have written the spiritual truth as I have gleaned it through over thirty years of study of the major religions and philosophies of all ages... Be assured inner peace will come as one turns to the spiritual consciousness of life, and an outer calm will follow in one's human affairs. The outer world will conform to the inner awareness of Truth. The authority for all of this revelation will be you, as you yourself experience this change within and without."

The Infinite Way is filled with the spiritual ideas and principles that are the foundation of The Infinite Way message. Goldsmith inspires, and possibly surprises, the reader with statements such as “Immortality is attained in proportion as personal sense is overcome … and that can be achieved here and now;” “Spiritual illumination enables us to discern the spiritual reality where the human concept appears to be;” and “To many, the word Christ persists as a more or less mysterious term, rarely if ever experienced by them. This we must change if we are to benefit by the revelation of a divine Presence of Power within us. Jesus told his disciples that they too are the Light of the world.” In this book, Goldsmith gives the reader the richness of the spiritual principles that constitute the message of The Infinite Way.

Readers will find the chapter “Soul” to be one of the most illuminating on that topic in spiritual literature, and the chapters on meditation, prayer, and supply will give the reader a fresh, new perspective on those timeless subjects. Joel himself said that the chapters “The New Horizon” and “The New Jerusalem” are two of the most important chapters in the Infinite Way writings. The section “Wisdoms of the Infinite Way” provides a collection of more than 100 short statements of spiritual wisdom that came to Joel Goldsmith in meditation. “Study the Wisdoms earnestly,” says Goldsmith. “Live with them day in and day out. Meditate on them and they will open up a way before you – the way of fulfillment.”

Goldsmith chose to put this quote from Lao-Tze at the beginning of the book: “There is no need to run outside for better seeing, nor to peer from a window. Rather abide at the center of your being; for the more you leave it, the less you learn.” Throughout the ages, this one message has withstood the test of time and continues to ring true today – seek the answer from within, and you will find the Truth. This is the message in The Infinite Way, and it has helped millions look inward and find “the peace that passes understanding.”

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 1946

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Joel S. Goldsmith

299 books97 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Khalid Abdul-Mumin.
327 reviews275 followers
December 30, 2023
A very in depth primer and a sort of introduction on the agnostic concept of Christ Consciousness and the inner realm of the 'self' as tinted by the Neo-Advaita lens for those curious readers not overly familiar with these aspects of spiritualism. Recommended!
Profile Image for Iona  Stewart.
833 reviews273 followers
August 7, 2011
This book, published in 1947, is generally regarded as the basic work presenting Goldsmith's spiritual system, The Infinite Way. I'm a great admirer of Goldsmith's other works, all the ones I've read so far, but I personally do not feel that this book has the same quality as his later works. I venture to say this though all the reviews of this book on the US Amazon site, at any rate, are rave reviews. I beg to differ.

One of the reasons for my lack of total appreciation for this book is that I like to have things spelt out for me. I don't comprehend vague, abstract sentences. In his later books I found Goldsmith's teachings crystal clear or practically so, though he does tend to contradict himself.

I particularly found the first chapters of the book insubstantial, incomprehensible, confusing or rambling IN PART. This was frustrating, as I like to understand things clearly. If I hadn't previously read a few of his later works, I might not have appreciated this book at all.

All this said, I did find his good, basic teachings to be contained in the book, of course: 1) "There is but one Consciousness, God." "As a wave is one with the ocean, so you are one with God." 2) "Meditation is the door to the realm of the soul." 3) Meditation is prayer, and the true prayer is the "contemplation of God and God-activities." 4) "'What is God?' ---- 'I AM'". 5) There is no evil, so we should cease our resistance to the inharmony of human existence. 6) When faced with a problem seek the solution within. 7) "The peace within becomes the harmony without." - a lovely concept (not just a concept, of course.)8) As regards "supply" - "the inner supply appears as the necessary outer things."

Chapter 10 summarizes the wisdom of the Infinite Way. This is a useful chapter, though it also contains unclear things. For example, he talks about "the dream" without defining what this is. I presume he means our earthly life that we regard as reality.

One statement I particularly appreciated was to the effect that if we consciously maintain our relationship with God, this will take care of everything else. (This is identical to the message of Esther & Jerry Hicks' Abraham - that the important thing is to maintain our connection with Source, in which case our lives will automatically run smoothly.)

If you already appreciate Goldsmith's works you'll want to read this one too, but if not, in direct opposition to all other reviewers,I would recommend that you begin with one of the later ones.

Profile Image for Clifford Stevens.
Author 1 book26 followers
December 19, 2017
Joel Goldsmith wrote quite a few books in his lifetime, but the Infinite Way succintly summarizes what he came to believe and practice. The interesting aspect is - despite his Christian background - his affinity to Zen. He shows us that mystics and masters of different religious backgrounds often end up saying the same things, because there is only the Oneness - the I AM that I AM. For those of you who like Joel, I would also recommend Virginia Stephenson.
Profile Image for Susan.
13 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2007
Joel Goldsmith is a modern day mystic and has a refreshing grasp of the spiritual/metaphysical aspect of reality--which is, in actuality, the source of all reality. I really like this guy. He'll expand your mind, for sure.
Profile Image for Ana.
19 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2008
Joel Goldsmith is one of my favorite authors. I learned so much about life and the world, but most importantly The Way. It's a Christian based read but much more than what is in the Bible. It is how to see life and to take on a perspective that is much more than just obedience. It's understanding Truth.
5 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2011
Awesome book!! Can't believe the depth of spiritual insight Joel had back then. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand grace. Without a revelation that man is one with God, this book might tweak ya a little bit.:) Hands down one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading in awhile and I work at a bookstore...lol
Profile Image for Theresa.
69 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2025
I found this to be a deeply spiritual and meditative book, one that turns me inward instead of outward. It isn’t about religion, but about the direct experience of God and the stillness within.
Profile Image for Matt.
117 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2021
Such a beautiful book exploring spirituality. I wasn't really sure what to expect – I don't even remember how I came across this book – but I was glad I read it.

I don't know too much about Goldsmith but he seems to have an especially strong tie to Christianity, albeit, he references other spiritual paths as well.

There are so many gems in this thing. I was highlighting and underlining constantly. Here are some of my favorite passages:

"The immortal Self is ever-present, even when clothed with personality but is revealed and lived only in proportion as personality, or the human self-hood, disappears."

"Consciousness lives Itself – you do not live it."

"Withdraw from personal consciousness as rapidly as possible. Let 'I' die."

"Be content with that which is."

"Truth is infinite; therefore, Truth cannot be known in finite terms."

Peace already IS... IS alone overcomes the world."

"There are no powers of evil external to yourself. Discords have no external existence. Resolve them within your consciousness. 'Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?'"

"There is never a conflict with person or condition, but rather a false concept mentally entertained about person, thing, circumstance, or condition. Therefore, make the correction within yourself rather than attempting to change anyone or anything in the without."

"...we must understand that money is not supply but is the result of supply. There is no such thing as a supply of money, clothes, homes, automobiles, or food. All these constitute the effect of supply, and if this infinite supply were not present within you, there never would be 'the added things' in your experience."

"The Christ comes to our consciousness most clearly in those moments when we come face to face with problems for which we have no answer and no power with which to surmount them, and we realize that 'I can of mine own self do nothing.' In these moments of self-effacement, the gentle Christ overshadows us, permeates our consciousness, and brings the 'peace, be still" to the troubled mind."

"Whenever you are faced with a problem, regardless of its nature, seek the solution within your own consciousness. Instead of running around here and there, instead of seeking an answer from this or that person, instead of looking for the solution outside of yourself, turn within. In the quiet and calm of your own mind, let the answer to your problem unfold itself. If, the first or second or third time you turn in peace to the kingdom within, you fail to perceive the completed picture, try again. You will not be too late, nor will the solution appear too late. As you learn to depend on this means for the working out of your problems and experiences, you will become more and more adept in quickly discerning your mind's revelation of harmony."

"Meditation is the door to the realm of the Soul, and inspiration is the way."

"Prayer is a state of consciousness in which we experience the realization of harmony, perfection, oneness, joy, peace, and dominion. Often, prayer or communion brings to the individual some specific truth."

"'The immortal can be reached only by continuous acts of kindliness, and perfection is accomplished by compassion and charity.' The greater the degree of unselfed love that we attain, the nearer we come to the realization of the universal I as our real being."

"The kingdom of God does not consist of more and better matter, nor does it necessarily include a greater vocabulary of truth. Yet the fruitage of spiritual understanding is greater harmony, peace, prosperity, joy, and more ideal companionships and relationships."

"Be assure inner peace will come as one turns to the spiritual consciousness of life, and an outer calm will follow in one's human affairs. The outer world will conform to the inner awareness of Truth."
322 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2023
4.5. Intriguing amalgam of various spiritual traditions. Much to contemplate. Much to learn. Much to try to implement. Bears frequent re-reading.
1 review
November 25, 2023
Steps for Spiritual Awakening

This book is for those who feel ready to advance their Spiritual consciousness. I rated it 5 stars bcz it pushed me further in my understanding and did so in a way that was inspiring and awakening. At times the teachings seemed to confuse, but in my own time and meditation, I found understanding. Incredible insights.
Profile Image for Alana Cash.
Author 7 books10 followers
April 5, 2018
This is the second of Joel Goldsmith's books that I've read (the one I read isn't leather bound and I'm not sure why Goodreads insists on listing different hardcover and softcover versions of the same book). I enjoyed "Practicing the Presence" a bit more than this one, but I'm going to reread "The Infinite Way" because I'm sure I read it too quickly.

Goldsmith has a definite message and one that I agree with. He writes well - I'm sure he had a very good editor - and his language is clear and to the point. It's written with the male pronoun "he" and one of the things I will do as I reread it is change that to "she." It makes a huge difference.

"As a man thinketh in his heart so is he."
"A a woman thinker in her heart so is she."

4 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2020
Words Cannot Convey the Impact on the Spirit

Timing is critical as to how this book will resonate with your soul (or not). The Infinite Way is not an intellectual passage: quite the opposite; it cannot be navigated with human vision, discernment and logic. It is a journey for the Soul and Spirit that asks that you break free of time and associated events like birth, accidents, diseases, joys, sorrows, or death in the human experience. And if you’ve mastered how to do that, keep it to yourself: the journey is sacred. It’s an indispensable textbook for the metaphysical Practioner and teacher.
Profile Image for Bob.
15 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2013

The Infinite Way is a beautifully written book that addresses the way to live life at the highest level of spiritual consciousness. The book concerns the Way or teaching of Jesus Christ, but in a very general manner drawing on the message of other religions. Joel Goldsmith wrote in very clear and simple terms, but having a very deep message as he explains "The activity of Truth in the individual consciousness is the only Christ." If you have a love for spiritual books, The Infinite Way is a must read.

http://www.returnoftheway.com/

Profile Image for Angel Williams.
11 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2019
This book is beautiful and awakens your soul. It challenges you to let go of illusions and live in reality that is freeing. A reality that is God-consciousness and not from mans predisposed rules or religion.
It speaks to you heart and you immediately want to expand it.
We should consciously remember that all who come within range of our thought and activity must be blessed by the contact, because we are a law of love; we are the light of the world. - Joel S. Goldsmith
God is so GOOD!
12 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2016
Great spiritual principles are here

This book is written by a sincere follower of God and outlined principles for spiritual growth. It was useful for me and I hope will do the same for you.
10 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2008
Excellent book on the God-experiences of a Christian Mystic. I highly recommend this if you are interested in healing or a different perspective on living out your Christian faith.
Profile Image for Joy-Ellen.
30 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2009
Although the book is written with a Christian influence, Joel Goldsmith's take on this subject is quite readable and thought provoking.
Profile Image for Janet Coughlan.
1 review
February 11, 2013
This is one of the BEST books I ever read. Very enlightening, full of much Truth, and easy to read and understand. I highly recommend it!!!
Profile Image for Xenia.
97 reviews37 followers
December 22, 2012
This is a great book for those who are spiritually awake and on the path of resurrection.
Profile Image for Shirley.
98 reviews
January 25, 2021
This book I read on a continuous loop. Daily. The full Infinite Way teaching in one book.
2 reviews
May 1, 2021
A transcendental awesome book🖤✨ Remember us about our Divine orign and that WE ARE GOD.
Profile Image for ron btdtbttsawio.
55 reviews10 followers
July 22, 2018
This book contains a lot of spiritual wisdom that seems to me to be gleaned mostly from eastern religions and philosophy yet there is a lot of reference to the bible. I don't think he used the word enlightenment (for example) but does use expressions such as 'spiritual illumination'.

I enjoyed the last 2 chapters (the new horizon and the new jerusalem) which are descriptive of what it's like to be in the final realized state. This reminded me of the sacred sanskrit 'ashtavakra gita'.

It's interesting that there are many, many hours of audio recordings by Joel S. Goldsmith and they can be found on youtube.
373 reviews12 followers
May 13, 2024
IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE PLEASURES OF THE WORLD AND ENJOY THEM, OR NOT TO HAVE THEM AND NOT MISS THEM. THERE IS A CONSTANT JOY THAT NEEDS NO OUTSDE STIMULUS.

When consciousness is afire with truth and love, it destroys all sense of fear, doubt, hate, envy, disease and discord.

We have to transcend the desire to improve our humanhood.

The personal sense of 'I' is busily engaged in getting, achieving, desiring, accomplishing, accumulating; whereas our true Self is giving, bestowing sharing and blessing.

Lasting happiness and prosperity are found when we have a principle or cause to which we devote ourselves.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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