Few books have the power to quietly walk into your life and rearrange your thinking forever. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy is one such timeless classic. First published in 1963, “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” remains one of the most influential self-help books in history. It bridges the gap between spiritual wisdom and scientific psychological principles.
This book explains, in simple and relatable language, how your thoughts shape your reality and how your subconscious mind works silently behind the scenes to create your health, wealth, relationships, and happiness. This blog provides an exhaustive, 20-chapter summary and review of this masterpiece, designed to help you harness the “treasure house” within you.
The Core Philosophy: You Are What You Think
Dr. Joseph Murphy’s central message is simple yet revolutionary: Your subconscious mind is a reactive engine. It does not reason, argue, or judge. It simply accepts the blueprints provided by your conscious mind and works tirelessly to manifest them into your physical reality.
Chapter-by-Chapter Deep Dive
Chapter 1: The Treasure House Within You
Murphy begins by asserting that there is an “infinite storehouse” of riches within every human being. He uses the analogy of a magnetized piece of steel: a magnetized piece can lift twelve times its weight, but if you demagnetize it, it won’t even lift a feather.
- The Lesson: Most people live in poverty (mental and physical) because they don’t realize the power of their subconscious.
- Actionable Step: Start realizing that your mind has the answer to every problem.
Chapter 2: How Your Own Mind Works
This chapter introduces the “Dual Nature of Mind.”
- The Conscious Mind: The gardener. It makes choices and reasons.
- The Subconscious Mind: The soil. It grows whatever seed (thought) is planted, whether it is a flower or a weed.
- Key Concept: The subconscious is subject to the power of suggestion. If you tell yourself “I can’t afford this,” your subconscious makes sure you never have the money for it.
Chapter 3: The Miracle-Working Power of Your Subconscious
Murphy argues that the subconscious mind controls all the vital functions of your body—your heartbeat, circulation, and digestion. It never sleeps.
- The Miracle: If the subconscious can build the body, it can also repair it.
- Takeaway: By feeding your subconscious thoughts of health and vitality, you trigger its innate healing capacity.
Chapter 4: Mental Healings in Ancient Times
History is filled with “miraculous” healings at shrines and through rituals. Murphy explains that these weren’t magic; they were the result of blind faith. When a person believes a ritual will heal them, their subconscious accepts that belief and executes the healing.
Chapter 5: Mental Healings in Modern Times
In the modern era, we use “scientific prayer” or “affirmation.” This isn’t about pleading with a deity but about reaching a state of psychological conviction.
- The Process: 1. Admit the problem. 2. Turn to the subconscious for the solution. 3. Feel the deep sense of “it is done.”
Chapter 6: Practical Techniques in Mental Healings
This is one of the most practical chapters. Murphy outlines several methods:
- The Passing-Over Technique: Passing a request to the subconscious just before sleep.
- The Visualization Method: Creating a mental image of the desired outcome.
- The Baudoin Technique: Reducing the idea to a short phrase (e.g., “It is finished”) and repeating it as a lullaby.
Chapter 7: The Tendency of the Subconscious is Lifeward
The subconscious mind is the builder of the body and is always trying to preserve life. It is “lifeward.” Nervous breakdowns, anxiety, and disease are results of conscious thoughts interfering with the natural, life-giving rhythm of the subconscious.
Chapter 8: How to Get the Results You Want
Why do many prayers go unanswered? Murphy points to The Law of Reversed Effort. If you try too hard consciously (using “willpower”), you create anxiety.
- The Solution: Stop using force. Relaxation is the key. When your mind is relaxed and you accept an idea, your subconscious goes to work.
Chapter 9: How to Use the Power of Your Subconscious for Wealth
Wealth is a mental conviction. If you want to be wealthy, you must stop criticizing rich people.
- The Wealth Formula: Regularly repeat the word “Wealth” with feeling before sleep. This plants the “seed” of abundance.
Chapter 10: Your Right to Be Rich
Murphy is unapologetic: you are here to lead an abundant life. He views poverty not as a virtue, but as a “mental disease.”
- The Philosophy: Money is a symbol of exchange. By blessing money and seeing it as a “circulating good,” you attract more of it.
Chapter 11: Your Subconscious Mind as a Partner in Success
Success is not just about making money; it’s about doing what you love and serving humanity.
- The Three Steps to Success:
- Find the thing you love to do.
- Specialize in it and know more about it than anyone else.
- Ensure your success is not just for yourself but benefits others.
Chapter 12: Scientists Use the Subconscious Mind
Many of the world’s greatest breakthroughs (Tesla, Edison, Einstein) came through the subconscious. When these scientists hit a wall, they would relax or sleep on the problem, allowing the subconscious to provide the “flash of insight.”
Chapter 7: The Tendency of the Subconscious is Lifeward
The subconscious mind is the builder of the body and is always trying to preserve life. It is “lifeward.” Nervous breakdowns, anxiety, and disease are results of conscious thoughts interfering with the natural, life-giving rhythm of the subconscious.
Chapter 8: How to Get the Results You Want
Why do many prayers go unanswered? Murphy points to The Law of Reversed Effort. If you try too hard consciously (using “willpower”), you create anxiety.
- The Solution: Stop using force. Relaxation is the key. When your mind is relaxed and you accept an idea, your subconscious goes to work.
Chapter 9: How to Use the Power of Your Subconscious for Wealth
Wealth is a mental conviction. If you want to be wealthy, you must stop criticizing rich people.
- The Wealth Formula: Regularly repeat the word “Wealth” with feeling before sleep. This plants the “seed” of abundance.
Chapter 10: Your Right to Be Rich
Murphy is unapologetic: you are here to lead an abundant life. He views poverty not as a virtue, but as a “mental disease.”
- The Philosophy: Money is a symbol of exchange. By blessing money and seeing it as a “circulating good,” you attract more of it.
Chapter 11: Your Subconscious Mind as a Partner in Success
Success is not just about making money; it’s about doing what you love and serving humanity.
- The Three Steps to Success:
- Find the thing you love to do.
- Specialize in it and know more about it than anyone else.
- Ensure your success is not just for yourself but benefits others.
Chapter 12: Scientists Use the Subconscious Mind
Many of the world’s greatest breakthroughs (Tesla, Edison, Einstein) came through the subconscious. When these scientists hit a wall, they would relax or sleep on the problem, allowing the subconscious to provide the “flash of insight.”
Chapter 17: How to Use Your Subconscious Mind for Forgiveness
Forgiveness is “giving something for.” You give up the resentment for peace of mind. Murphy claims that many physical ailments, including arthritis, can be linked to a refusal to forgive.
- The Test: You have truly forgiven someone when you can meet them in your mind and feel no emotional sting.
Chapter 18: How Your Subconscious Removes Mental Blocks
Whether it’s an addiction to alcohol or a bad habit, the subconscious holds the key to freedom.
- The Technique: Imagine the freedom and the joy of being rid of the habit. Visualize your friends or family congratulating you on your victory.
Chapter 19: How to Use Your Subconscious Mind to Remove Fear
Fear is a “thought in your mind.”
- The Formula: “Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain.” Combine this with the mental suggestion that you are protected and capable.
Chapter 20: How to Stay Young in Spirit Forever
Age is not the flight of years; it is the dawn of wisdom. Murphy encourages readers to never retire from life.
- The Secret to Youth: Keep your mind active, learn new things, and maintain a “lifeward” attitude.
Comparison of Mind States
Feature | Conscious Mind | Subconscious Mind |
Function | Reasoning, Logic, Choice | Execution, Habit, Vital Functions |
Analogy | The Captain | The Crew |
Nature | Objective | Subjective |
Control | Voluntary | Involuntary/Automatic |
Limitation | Limited by senses | Infinite and boundless |
The Ultimate Message: The Law of Belief
The overarching message Joseph Murphy wants to convey is that The Law of Life is the Law of Belief. A belief is a thought in your subconscious mind. It doesn’t matter if the object of your belief is “real” or “false” in the eyes of others; if you believe it to be true, your subconscious will bring it to pass.
Murphy wants us to stop being victims of circumstance. He wants us to realize that we are the “Master of our Fate” because we are the “Captain of our Soul” (our subconscious). By changing the “mental films” we play in our heads, we can literally rewrite our life story.
Review: Is This Book Still Relevant?
In a world filled with high-stress jobs and digital distractions, Murphy’s teachings are more relevant than ever. While some critics argue that the book is “overly simplistic” or ignores systemic issues, the psychological core is sound.
Modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Neuroplasticity research actually support many of Murphy’s claims:
- Neuroplasticity: Proves that we can rewire our brain patterns through repetitive thought.
- Reticular Activating System (RAS): A part of our brain that filters information based on what we focus on—essentially the scientific version of “attracting” what we think about.
Why You Should Read It?
- Empowerment: It shifts the power from “luck” back to “you.”
- Practicality: It provides specific prayers and affirmations for every situation.
- Timelessness: The language is accessible, and the examples are relatable.
How to Start Using These Principles Today
If you want to see “miracles” in your life, start with these three steps:
- Watch Your Speech: Stop saying “I can’t,” “I’m sick,” or “I’m broke.” Your subconscious is listening and taking notes.
- The Lullaby Method: Choose one thing you want (health, a new job, peace). Just before you fall asleep, repeat a simple phrase like “Thank you, Father, for my prosperity” until you drop off.
- Visualization: Spend 5 minutes a day with your eyes closed, vividly imagining your goal as already achieved. Feel the emotions associated with that success.
Conclusion
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is more than just a book; it’s a manual for human potential. Joseph Murphy doesn’t promise a magic wand, but he does promise a reliable, law-abiding system. If you change your mind, you change your life.
The “treasure house” is already inside you. You don’t need to acquire it; you only need to learn how to use it.
FAQs
Is this book suitable for beginners in self-help?
Yes, the language is simple and beginner-friendly.
Can this book really change my life?
Yes, if the principles are applied consistently with belief.
Is this book spiritual or scientific?
It beautifully combines both spiritual wisdom and modern psychology.
How long does it take to see results?
Results vary, but many people notice changes within weeks.
Who should read this book?
Anyone seeking healing, success, peace, or personal transformation.