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The Wayfarer on the Open Road

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To be observed today, to be changed tomorrow, or abandoned, according to tomorrow's light. To live to our highest in all things that pertain to us, and to lend a hand as best we can to all others for this same end. To aid in righting the wrongs that cross our path by pointing the wrong-doer to a better way, and thus aid him in becoming a power for good. To turn toward and to keep our faces always to the light, knowing that we are then always safe, and that we shall travel with joy the open road.

To love the fields and the wild flowers, the stars, the far-open sea, the soft, warm earth, and to live much with them alone; but to love struggling and weary men and women and every pulsing, living creature better.To do our own thinking, listening quietly to the opinions of others, but to be sufficiently men and women to act always upon our own convictions. To do our duty as we see it, regardless of the opinions of others - seeming gain or loss, temporary blame or praise.

To remain in nature always sweet and simple and humble and therefore strong. To play the part of neither fool nor knave by attempting to Judge another, but to give that same time to living more worthily ourselves. To get up immediately when we stumble, face again to the light, and travel on without wasting even a moment in regret. To love and to hold due reverence for all people and all things, but to stand in awe or fear of nothing save our own wrong doing.To recognize the good lying at the heart of all people, of all things, waiting for expression all in its own good way and time.

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First published October 1, 1908

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About the author

Ralph Waldo Trine

409 books60 followers
Ralph Waldo Trine was a philosopher, mystic, teacher and author of many books, and was one of the early mentors of the New Thought Movement. His writings had a great influence on many of his contemporaries including Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science. He was a true pioneer in the area of life-transforming thought. No other New Thought author has sold more books than he, his writings reaching far beyond New Thought circles out to the general public, which has bought and read Trine's books without ever knowing that they were New Thought.

He began his writing career in his early 30s. He was much influenced by the writings of Fitche, Emerson and the Scottish scientist/evangelist, Henry Drummond, his "What All the World's A-Seeking" expanding on a number of the themes covered in Drummond's inspirational classic, "The Greatest Thing in the World." His remarkable seminal book, "In Tune with the Infinite" was launched in 1897 and went on to sell over 2 million copies, and has stood the test of time for over a century. It was read by such luminaries as Queen Victoria, Janet Gaynor and Henry Ford. It is interesting that Henry Ford, pioneer of mass produced automobiles, attributed his success directly to having read "In Tune with the Infinite." After reading the book, Ford ordered it on mass, and distributed copies freely to high profile industrialists. It's a true mark of how powerful the book was and still is!

In its pages we find perennial truths that have been restated in many other forms in recent years, though perhaps never so clearly. By recognizing the power of our thoughts and by harmonizing our own with the Divine will, we will attract perfect peace, health, love, prosperity and success. A number of chapters from "In Tune with the Infinite" can be read on-line in the book "This Mystical Life of Ours" listed below.

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for GoldGato.
1,297 reviews38 followers
June 5, 2022
Ralph Waldo Trine was the pioneer of what is now the Self-Help genre. More specifically, he wrote books relating to the New Thought Movement, which originated in the nineteenth century. Trine influenced several modern self-help authors, such as Napoleon Hill and David Schwartz. However, to him it was a matter of philosophy, of living a life worthy of examination, rather than the get-rich screaming of today’s hypocrites.

This is a 1908 publication (in excellent shape I must say) which sets forth his thoughts on being a good human and a friend to mankind. He sprinkles quotes from poets throughout the pages, but it’s the layout which is very succinct and makes this a handy book when a little goodness in the world is needed. Here are some of his goals in this book:

1. To live to our highest in all things that pertain to us, and to lend a hand as best we can to all others for this same end.

2. To do our own thinking, listening quietly to the opinions of others, but to be sufficiently men and women to act always upon our own convictions.

3. To know that it is the middle ground that brings pleasure and satisfaction, and that excesses have to be paid for always with heavy and sometimes with frightful costs.

4. To know that work, occupation, something definite and useful to do, is one of the established conditions of happiness in life.

5. In brief – to be honest, to be fearless, to be just, joyous, kind.


There are more and every individual principle gets its own chapter of explanation, leading to Trine’s creed of how living a wholesome life can bring results. He strongly cautions against being swayed by peevish and gloomy acquaintances, for they represent, essentially, the Dark Side. The German poet, August Stramm, was killed during WWI and a copy of one of Trine’s other works was found on his body, which is a testament to the author’s influence. I’m just thrilled to add this lovely little work to my collection.

Book Season = Year Round (mental habits)
Profile Image for Christie.
342 reviews42 followers
March 26, 2018
Found an original copy of this book at an antique store. I love it! Time does not change the fundamental truths of what it means to be human.
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