What do you think?
Rate this book
The Science of Mind
"The founder of the United Church of Religious Science, an international religious movement, presents his basic spiritual tenets, showing readers how to get in touch with nature's forces and God's healing power."— Amazon.com .
672 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1938
1386 people are currently reading
7580 people want to read
About the author
Ernest Shurtleff Holmes
265 books204 followersErnest Shurtleff Holmes was an American New Thought writer, teacher, and leader. He was the founder of a Spiritual movement known as Religious Science, part of the greater New Thought movement, whose spiritual philosophy is known as "The Science of Mind." He was the author of The Science of Mind and numerous other metaphysical books, and the founder of Science of Mind magazine, in continuous publication since 1927. His books remain in print, and the principles he taught as "Science of Mind" have inspired and influenced many generations of metaphysical students and teachers. Holmes had previously studied another New Thought teaching, Divine Science, and was an ordained Divine Science Minister. His influence beyond New Thought can be seen in the self-help movement.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 14, 2015
I've read this book every year since 1981 ... everytime I find something new!
Powerful Stuff!
Powerful Stuff!
July 2, 2012
Bless the heart of this author! This book to me was and still is a guide that is helping me in my life. When I got hold of this book, I was going through a tough time in my life trying to find happiness with myself while at the same time trying to to prove myself to those i loved most. This book taught me how to deal with the most difficult situation with Spiritual help. One cannot read this book if you do not believe in God or are not Spiritual in any kind of way. I consider myself lucky to have a copy of this book. i would recommend to all who find it hard to see their Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Perfection.
November 28, 2023
The Science of Mind
Don't be fooled by the title - I was, but only until the third paragraph. I don't remember how it got on my list, but once started, I felt I had to train wreck through it. I've read a number of real mind science books in the last couple of years and this this is a simply a largely Christian religious text with a few scientific mentions in it. There is a bit of pseudoscience, but Holmes clearly doesn't think so.
It's unfair to ding Holmes for a 1920s perspective, and it's unfair to pick on the non-science as this is clearly religious. Any reader without a critical eye can be taken in by the wrong definitions/examples. His examples of something as simple as inductive and deductive reasoning are wrong, but sound convincing.
I made a lot of notes, but after a while it became comical, so I decided to give up. Some of the gems:
Take electricity as an example; we know that there is such a thing as electricity; we have never seen it, but we know that it exists because we can use it;... That logic evades me - we can make predictions about electricity, and test those predictions...but the simpler answer wasting scientists's time is because "we can use it".
It is known that certain people can read our thoughts, even when we are not aware of the fact... Um, wow.
The conscious mind controls the subconscious; and in its turn, the subconscious controls the body. No. Really no.
...as we have found that man is threefold in his nature, so we must also deduce that God is threefold in His Nature... "must"? Dude, there is no "must"...save in your manufactured very odd world. Non sequitur.
Psycho-analysis is a system of analyzing the soul, or the subjective mentality. It is a mental process of diagnosis which seems to be technically perfect when used by those who understand it. Right. Because psycho-analysis is an absolute science.
Strange as it may seem, we do not have the same physical bodies that we had a few months ago; they have completely changed; new particles have taken the place of the old; and the only reason why they have taken the same form is, that Instinctive Man has provided the same mold. Huh. No comment necessary.
So, I was a bit surprised to learn that the mythical (Biblical?) flood was caused by psychic confusion. Never heard/read that ever. I was also unaware that "very few diseases are inherited". I'll chalk that up to a 1926 understanding of genetics.
I think I should qualify this review...I looked up comments on other editions and learned that this may have been an abridged version. I can't imagine plowing through anything longer. This is a tortuous read. Holmes is all over the map here and doubles back on himself throughout. He obviously believed he was coherent. He wasn't.
I didn't like this, but not enough to rate it one-star.
Don't be fooled by the title - I was, but only until the third paragraph. I don't remember how it got on my list, but once started, I felt I had to train wreck through it. I've read a number of real mind science books in the last couple of years and this this is a simply a largely Christian religious text with a few scientific mentions in it. There is a bit of pseudoscience, but Holmes clearly doesn't think so.
It's unfair to ding Holmes for a 1920s perspective, and it's unfair to pick on the non-science as this is clearly religious. Any reader without a critical eye can be taken in by the wrong definitions/examples. His examples of something as simple as inductive and deductive reasoning are wrong, but sound convincing.
I made a lot of notes, but after a while it became comical, so I decided to give up. Some of the gems:
Take electricity as an example; we know that there is such a thing as electricity; we have never seen it, but we know that it exists because we can use it;... That logic evades me - we can make predictions about electricity, and test those predictions...but the simpler answer wasting scientists's time is because "we can use it".
It is known that certain people can read our thoughts, even when we are not aware of the fact... Um, wow.
The conscious mind controls the subconscious; and in its turn, the subconscious controls the body. No. Really no.
...as we have found that man is threefold in his nature, so we must also deduce that God is threefold in His Nature... "must"? Dude, there is no "must"...save in your manufactured very odd world. Non sequitur.
Psycho-analysis is a system of analyzing the soul, or the subjective mentality. It is a mental process of diagnosis which seems to be technically perfect when used by those who understand it. Right. Because psycho-analysis is an absolute science.
Strange as it may seem, we do not have the same physical bodies that we had a few months ago; they have completely changed; new particles have taken the place of the old; and the only reason why they have taken the same form is, that Instinctive Man has provided the same mold. Huh. No comment necessary.
So, I was a bit surprised to learn that the mythical (Biblical?) flood was caused by psychic confusion. Never heard/read that ever. I was also unaware that "very few diseases are inherited". I'll chalk that up to a 1926 understanding of genetics.
I think I should qualify this review...I looked up comments on other editions and learned that this may have been an abridged version. I can't imagine plowing through anything longer. This is a tortuous read. Holmes is all over the map here and doubles back on himself throughout. He obviously believed he was coherent. He wasn't.
I didn't like this, but not enough to rate it one-star.
March 29, 2016
The book started off well enough, taking me on a journey through Christian beliefs in the spirit, soul, and body as they are related to the Holy Trinity (Father, Holy spirit, Son). Then it made some great assertions that we choose our outlook on life and that we are in total control of any outcome that may befall us. For these great concepts, I'd give the book 5 stars.
The reason it earns two stars is because of the constant repetition of the same thing and the pointless religious babble. Babble might be a harsh word but it does it justice when the other repeatedly says things like "God is all and all is God". These type of sayings could have filled up 25 pages of this book.
The real issue started when he began delving into levitation, psychics, fortune tellers, apparitions, etc.. At that point this book turned into an Encyclopedia of Witchcraft. Author claims he has personal had conversations with mysterious voices that "did not know where they came from" and that he has personally seen a pencil writing while floating in midair "with no one holding it". Then with his other mystical claims, he admits that there is no research on it but he assumes that one day we will find proof for how these things happen.
There is no science in this book whatsoever. Science includes experiments, trials, data, anything! The whole book is conceived of his own personal beliefs and him validating that it is "Fact".
The reason it earns two stars is because of the constant repetition of the same thing and the pointless religious babble. Babble might be a harsh word but it does it justice when the other repeatedly says things like "God is all and all is God". These type of sayings could have filled up 25 pages of this book.
The real issue started when he began delving into levitation, psychics, fortune tellers, apparitions, etc.. At that point this book turned into an Encyclopedia of Witchcraft. Author claims he has personal had conversations with mysterious voices that "did not know where they came from" and that he has personally seen a pencil writing while floating in midair "with no one holding it". Then with his other mystical claims, he admits that there is no research on it but he assumes that one day we will find proof for how these things happen.
There is no science in this book whatsoever. Science includes experiments, trials, data, anything! The whole book is conceived of his own personal beliefs and him validating that it is "Fact".
September 12, 2022
The Science of Mind begins with man's 1) self awareness (man = man and woman), ability to think and act, and make choices, 2) to the "inevitable" evolution of man's understanding that there is a single deity.
All other subjects are tied to these two basics and about power available to men provided by a single deity, God, and how everything is interconnected--to help man discover and prove his own (eventual) perfection like God. Because man was an idea of God, and every idea of God is perfect, so man will someday become perfect.
This is a rough outline of the beginning, as an example of the logic and direction the book takes.
1. Man is an individual and must discover his 'divine worth' on his own.
2. Man thinks.
3. The brain does not think, else the brain removed, would still think, but it doesn't. And yet, man thinks. The legs, removed, don't walk, the hands cut off, don't work. So there is something in man that is more than the brain and the parts. Behind the brain, there must be a thinker.
The text moves on to the dominance of the conscious mind over the subconscious mind. The author argues that picturing the body as perfect, makes it well. But I believe that ignoring a compound fracture or burst appendix just leads to a great deal of pain, greater illness, and ultimately death. Which will then give the person a chance to answer for cutting their life short out of stupidity.
I acknowledge that we have the ability to make ourselves ill by concentrating on negativity and being convinced that we are sick. But assuming individuals or groups are doing so, is a judgement we have no right to make without having all the facts. It can do irreparable harm.
The next topic says that science and philosophy are two halves of a whole; one observes the results of nature, the other contemplates the cause.
"What this life is, science does not attempt to explain."
"True philosophy and true science will some day meet on a common basis."
The best thing about this book is that every sub-topic has a title, and is only a couple of pages long--at most. Making them easy to read one or more at a time, then think about.
The author is very well educated, well read, and forward thinking given that it's from 1926. I recommend this book to anyone with interests in the "logic of science" vs everything else, and man's place in the world. This is a fascinating and easily accessible collection. (See Caution below.)
Healing and the mind: What works for small things does not mean it works for serious things, or that the patient has failed self-control if unsuccessful. Mr. Holmes teaches with force and certainty, but evidence shows that absolute faith of (even) many cannot always save or heal. He forgets the Will of God. If God does not will for a child or other individual to be saved or healed, it is not possible. There are some things we cannot learn--or people we cannot help--unless circumstances are right. God's plans are perfect.
4/5 *Caution: Faulty logic regarding the Will of God; accidents, healing, some opportunities, etc. Documented evidence also shows that faith-healing can be a disastrous practice when taken to the extreme.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Essentials, and NetGalley for the temporary preview; any review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.
#StMartinsPress #StMartinsEssentials
#NetGalley
#ErnestHolmes #ErnestHolmesAuth
#ReligionandSpirituality
#NewThought
#SuccessSelfHelp
#PersonalTransformationSelfHelp
#PoweroftheMind
#PowerofPrayer
All other subjects are tied to these two basics and about power available to men provided by a single deity, God, and how everything is interconnected--to help man discover and prove his own (eventual) perfection like God. Because man was an idea of God, and every idea of God is perfect, so man will someday become perfect.
This is a rough outline of the beginning, as an example of the logic and direction the book takes.
1. Man is an individual and must discover his 'divine worth' on his own.
2. Man thinks.
3. The brain does not think, else the brain removed, would still think, but it doesn't. And yet, man thinks. The legs, removed, don't walk, the hands cut off, don't work. So there is something in man that is more than the brain and the parts. Behind the brain, there must be a thinker.
The text moves on to the dominance of the conscious mind over the subconscious mind. The author argues that picturing the body as perfect, makes it well. But I believe that ignoring a compound fracture or burst appendix just leads to a great deal of pain, greater illness, and ultimately death. Which will then give the person a chance to answer for cutting their life short out of stupidity.
I acknowledge that we have the ability to make ourselves ill by concentrating on negativity and being convinced that we are sick. But assuming individuals or groups are doing so, is a judgement we have no right to make without having all the facts. It can do irreparable harm.
The next topic says that science and philosophy are two halves of a whole; one observes the results of nature, the other contemplates the cause.
"What this life is, science does not attempt to explain."
"True philosophy and true science will some day meet on a common basis."
The best thing about this book is that every sub-topic has a title, and is only a couple of pages long--at most. Making them easy to read one or more at a time, then think about.
The author is very well educated, well read, and forward thinking given that it's from 1926. I recommend this book to anyone with interests in the "logic of science" vs everything else, and man's place in the world. This is a fascinating and easily accessible collection. (See Caution below.)
Healing and the mind: What works for small things does not mean it works for serious things, or that the patient has failed self-control if unsuccessful. Mr. Holmes teaches with force and certainty, but evidence shows that absolute faith of (even) many cannot always save or heal. He forgets the Will of God. If God does not will for a child or other individual to be saved or healed, it is not possible. There are some things we cannot learn--or people we cannot help--unless circumstances are right. God's plans are perfect.
4/5 *Caution: Faulty logic regarding the Will of God; accidents, healing, some opportunities, etc. Documented evidence also shows that faith-healing can be a disastrous practice when taken to the extreme.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Essentials, and NetGalley for the temporary preview; any review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.
#StMartinsPress #StMartinsEssentials
#NetGalley
#ErnestHolmes #ErnestHolmesAuth
#ReligionandSpirituality
#NewThought
#SuccessSelfHelp
#PersonalTransformationSelfHelp
#PoweroftheMind
#PowerofPrayer
August 16, 2012
Inasmuch as many of the the author's examples contradict his own teachings, the book still deserves 5 stars for its general overall excellence. The Science of Mind is a book that anybody who is serious about understanding universal/quantum concepts should absolutely read, and study, time and again, because it talks about the many aspects of science/religion/spirituality which are left out of most books published today, and in recent times, about these concepts. It goes well beyond the ideal of mere wealth attainment, generously spilling over into concepts such as God and divine purpose. If you've been left empty-handed by more recent "Law of Attraction" books, this book will explain why!
June 3, 2012
At times sophomoric, at others deeply profound Holmes is here giving the total visionary outline of the religion or spiritual discipline he created. It does not have to be read in order and in fact likely shouldn't, instead perused as a spiritual guide to further understanding the principles of Religious Science. Contemplation is key here as is an appreciation for how standard religious words are used differently. Once clear a whole new world opens up.
December 10, 2009
powerful stuff.... whether you believe in 'god' or not, this stuff is good and it works if you allow yourself to try the principles expounded upon and then just observe what occurs... That is the whole truth of the matter.... no matter what anyone might call it... religion, god, whatever, with a Positive Mental Attitude and Focus we can each change our lives. Period.
January 17, 2013
Amazing book!!! I recommend to anyone who is a seeker of the meaning of life. The first lesson is a bit confusing but don't quit!! The further along you get it all starts to come together! Truly a life changing book!
July 17, 2012
Great book.. wisdom of ages.
November 7, 2018
What can you write when the book is close to divine
I crawled every page Coz of immense experience. Some people relate this book more religious but am aware about myself with the world is not
Though most of the time the explanation repeated but cannot be avoided when that is the truth of your mind connecting to universal mind.
Written for people who in therapy and how to go about the profession on curing sick people and also helping the sick to understand why they are sick and how they can come out of sickness
If you say everyone should read this book then it has to be made as text in schools.
I admired myself when reading such a divine book
This one book can give the meaning of your life
I crawled every page Coz of immense experience. Some people relate this book more religious but am aware about myself with the world is not
Though most of the time the explanation repeated but cannot be avoided when that is the truth of your mind connecting to universal mind.
Written for people who in therapy and how to go about the profession on curing sick people and also helping the sick to understand why they are sick and how they can come out of sickness
If you say everyone should read this book then it has to be made as text in schools.
I admired myself when reading such a divine book
This one book can give the meaning of your life
February 23, 2007
the bible for anyone wishing to start a cult.
October 28, 2011
Just loaded with thoughts and realities for understanding how we function as thinking human beings. I have had a copy of this book for many, many years.
August 28, 2010
Life changing
July 6, 2011
Must read
August 4, 2022
A rare "did not finish" book. The standard New Thought stuff, but painfully overwritten and repetitive.
July 7, 2009
I found this to be the most clear and reasoned presentation of the basic New Thought world-view I have yet read. Whether all the cosmology proves to be exactly the way things are constructed it's a good working model for "how things work". The world-view is simple, to the point and not cluttered with lots of extraneous speculation about how many angles are involved with rhythmic movement on small objects (or other complex descriptions of what is difficulty to know from our material perspective). This work is a good "owner's manual" to this "spiritual being having a material experience" world we live in. Highly recommended.
There are a few Biblical references, although, as with most New Thought works, they are interpreted metaphorically: as teaching tales someone spiritually wise might tell for what they show about the personal spiritual journey. In this view, the "Christ" is within each of us, and the person the Gospels was written about was just really good at allowing that inner light to express in his life. By this teaching, we can all learn to do what he did--in fact, that is what he wanted us to learn to do (not shame and criticize each other)! New Thought only acknowledges or focuses on the positive: only sees or speaks about goodness (at least that's the goal!). Holms does an excellent job of explaining how that can be accomplished in ones life.
There are a few Biblical references, although, as with most New Thought works, they are interpreted metaphorically: as teaching tales someone spiritually wise might tell for what they show about the personal spiritual journey. In this view, the "Christ" is within each of us, and the person the Gospels was written about was just really good at allowing that inner light to express in his life. By this teaching, we can all learn to do what he did--in fact, that is what he wanted us to learn to do (not shame and criticize each other)! New Thought only acknowledges or focuses on the positive: only sees or speaks about goodness (at least that's the goal!). Holms does an excellent job of explaining how that can be accomplished in ones life.
June 22, 2017
I first read this book over 30 years ago. It was heady stuff back then. Interesting to see how thirty years of experience living a spiritually based life takes what was once heady and turn it into simple.
I got this book to help a friend who is studying to become a Science of Mind reverend. Because Ernest Holmes was an intellectual, his approach to spirituality is very left brain oriented. My friend is more of an intuitive and that's why she was having such trouble understanding what he was trying to say.
Since she'd read my book, "How to Make the Most of Your Earth Experience: 14 Principles of Unconditional Love" (for sending your Inner Critic on permanent vacation) and found it mega-easy to understand, I was able to translate Ernest Holmes' words into ones she could intuit easily.
My recommendation? Buy this if you like a super intellectual approach to spirituality. His words will open up your mind to new dimensions of living. If you prefer a more right brained approach, there are better books out there to help you get in touch with your Inner Knowing.
I got this book to help a friend who is studying to become a Science of Mind reverend. Because Ernest Holmes was an intellectual, his approach to spirituality is very left brain oriented. My friend is more of an intuitive and that's why she was having such trouble understanding what he was trying to say.
Since she'd read my book, "How to Make the Most of Your Earth Experience: 14 Principles of Unconditional Love" (for sending your Inner Critic on permanent vacation) and found it mega-easy to understand, I was able to translate Ernest Holmes' words into ones she could intuit easily.
My recommendation? Buy this if you like a super intellectual approach to spirituality. His words will open up your mind to new dimensions of living. If you prefer a more right brained approach, there are better books out there to help you get in touch with your Inner Knowing.
August 26, 2018
Considering when it was written I think the book is way ahead of its time. He losses his way and gets quite hung up on affirmations near the end but the essence of what he is pointing to is true.
I had to ignore the emphasis on ‘God’ and replace the word with energy. I had powerful insights about the nature of the human experience and so the read was worth it for that.
In my opinion no need to ‘study’ this book. Rather read and see what you hear for yourself. Ignore the rest.
I had to ignore the emphasis on ‘God’ and replace the word with energy. I had powerful insights about the nature of the human experience and so the read was worth it for that.
In my opinion no need to ‘study’ this book. Rather read and see what you hear for yourself. Ignore the rest.
May 4, 2018
This classic is always being read, always being checked for references and clarity. I have a leather-bound copy at home. Previously, I had a paperbound copy that was used in classes at church. The teaching that Ernest Holmes shared changed my life for the better as it has the lives of many others.
August 25, 2016
I loved this book. It's easy to read, inspiring, and spiritually confirming. I found an old version at a thrift store at a very lonely time in my life, when I first moved to CA and missed family and friends. Another one of those creative visualization / law of attraction books.
April 9, 2012
A seminal book on metaphysical thought. Holmes' writing however is not always as accessible as one would like. I have the 50th anniversary edition and have no idea who designed this very ugly cover in my book!
August 4, 2009
Excellent to read, as long as you pay attention and don't read it when tired. Unless you can follow a hardcore steady train of thought for long periods of time when sleepy.
September 5, 2009
What can you say about the book that explains... pretty much everything. This is the instruction manual for life.
March 12, 2011
Best book EVER!!
September 2, 2011
Awakening!
September 5, 2019
not as good as a read as I hoped for.
November 30, 2019
Really good in places. Kinda weird in others... hence the 3 stars.
October 10, 2022
Mixed bag - some parts resonated while I struggled to read other chapters.
#NetGalley #St Martin's Essentials
#NetGalley #St Martin's Essentials
October 28, 2025
The Science of Mind by Dr. Ernest Holmes is about the science and spiritual philosophy of the mind. Throughout the book, it is taught that many factors through religion, science, and truths form how the human mind works. I appreciate how Dr. Holmes emphasizes that the mind is not only influenced by everyday life, but also by the opinions and beliefs people hold. Spiritual aspects are thought to have a strong effect on the mind. He claims everyone is a psychic because everyone thinks and believes things. The aura around each individual differs based on their personality. If someone is more of a pessimistic outlook, then they have a dark aura, whereas someone with an optimistic outlook on life has a radiant aura that follows them. I also liked that there are poems in the last chapter. Many of them are religion and self-help-based, but they help tie the book all together. For those who cannot comprehend a lot of reading, it puts it into a shorter and clearer form. My favorite poem is 'The Joy of the Soul.' I did not like how it was organized. I understand that there are a lot of different factors, but I would have liked it if the factors involving religion, spirituality, and the sciences were put together. It feels mixed up. The main motif is to express that a person's mind is connected to the universe, and God has the power to change aspects of it. I do not think I will read this again, but it is a good source of information for anyone wanting to dig deeper into how the mind works.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews