The Game of Life and How to Play It

Written by Florence Scovel Shinn

Narrated by Georgia Lee King

The Game of Life and How to Play It is a short work of metaphysics by American artist, illustrator, and New Thought teacher Florence Scovel Shinn. Published in 1925, this book explores the foundations of Shinn’s philosophy — that what one puts out into the world is what one receives back.
Her primary philosophy, explained in The Game of Life and How to Play It, is that, “The Game of Life is a game of boomerangs. Man's thoughts, deeds and words, return to him sooner or later, with astounding accuracy.” But while she refers to it as “a game,” Shinn acknowledges that it’s not an easy one to play. Plagued with fear and self-doubt, it’s a constant struggle to maintain control of one’s thoughts.
Drawing from the Bible and anecdotes as her primary sources, she explores the subconscious, conscious, and superconscious minds, and how they work together either in service of or opposition to our wants and desires.
The subconscious is “power, without direction.” It has the ability to bring about the events that the conscious mind observes or images. This can be a wonderful thing if we’re able to direct this power to our own benefit. But if we submit to doubts and negative self-talk, we can create the very circumstances that we hope to avoid.
The conscious mind sees life as it appears to be. It observes and impresses the subconscious with its interpretations of what it sees — and these are often negative thoughts. In order to convince the subconscious mind, one must only bring that which serves it through one’s consciousness. This can be done through affirmations, and by behaving as if one already has the gifts they seek.
Shinn was not the first to espouse these ideas. Where she stands out in the sea of metaphysical writers was the accessibility of her language. Written in simple English, with plenty of examples and illustrations, Shinn is able to connect with readers who may be exploring the topic for the first time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author's Republic
• Release date: Jun 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781684931187

Florence Scovel Shinn

Florence Scovel Shinn (1871-1940) was an American artist and book illustrator and a key member of the New Thought movement. After the publication of her first book, The Game of Life and How to Play It in 1925, she became a popular lecturer and writer.

Reviews for The Game of Life and How to Play It

[Dee-tje · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting that this was written almost a 100 years ago. I’m not religious, but can substitute the bible stuff with more spiritual concepts. And she also talks about the divine spirit which I also believe in. I do think that.. if someone gives you gold and you have bills to pay, of course you are going to sell it. It’s a bit strange you wouldn’t. That already will make you feel rich. I know because I experienced a similar situation.

[Musawenkosi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is such a blessing and life transforming. Thank yoo.

[freeda · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How to live a happy and fulfilled life in a nutshell ?

[narilka · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this book on the recommendation of a friend who knows I'm getting more into spirituality and mindfulness. I've seen it compared to The Secret which I've never read so have no way to compare them. It's basically the Law of Attraction and manifestation from a Christian/Bible scripture perspective. Originally published in 1925, it's short and easy to read. This seems to be a love it or hate it book. I'm not particularly religious so that part I can't comment on. I do believe there is power in positive thinking and liked those parts. Your mileage will vary.

[drt_4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn Chapter 1: The Game Chapter 2: The Law of Prosperity Chapter 3: The Power of the Word Chapter 4: The Law of Nonresistance Chapter 5: The Law of Kamma and TheLaw of Forgiveness Chapter 6: Casting the Burden Chapter 7: LoveChapter 8: Intuition or Guidance Chapter 9: Perfect Self Expression or theDivine Design Chapter 10: Denials and AffirmationsWhy I picked this book up: This book came up on my YouTube page and being a Psychologist I thought it was about psychology, behavioral information. The title intrigued me. I began listening to it and compared The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vince Peale that I read the other day. With Peale's book, I was not very happy with it because his use of the Bible appeared to be superficial but when I listened to this one it seemed to me to be based on biblical underpinnings. I grew up in a Christian Reformed Church (CRC) which was very calm, reserved, and not at all charismatic so I am not a holy roller type, like the “name it and claim it” person like Joel Olsteen’s wealth growing ministry stuff that I am against. I have been more conservative and biblically based person my whole life.Thoughts: The Game of Life and How to Play It, published in 1925, With her classic book, Florence Scovel Shinn established herself as one of the most down-to-earth, practical, and helpful prosperity writers of her era. With a timeless message and the ability to explain success principles and how they work in an entertaining style, her writings are still considered the leaders in prosperity literature today.This author seemed like one of my Christian thought professors that would give examples if faith in God that always worked out well. She seems like a humble, faith-based woman that time stories that seemed like she kiced them, used faith grounded in her belief in God as I wished Dr. Peale did. Why I finished this read:Though I am now Questioning my thoughts BUT I am going with my positive view that she is biblically-based easily readable and rooted in the reality God’s $, He is in absolute power, not us, and when I tithe God has always provided for me and my family. I rated this book today at 5 stars

[gnorma_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Written in 1925, this book preceded Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking, by 27 years. It is based on the simple premise that your words (and thoughts) are what determine your experiences. It is full of personal examples and useful affirmations. Biblical references are extensive, remember this was 1925, when being a church goer was pretty much a common denominator for Americans, not the cultural divisor it is today. This message, 88 years later, is still relative and riveting. It's all you need to change your life.

[dip2atl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Its amazing how relevant this book is today although it was written many years ago!!

[drj_6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Classic text on new thought philosophy written by a woman through the harsh times of the Great Depression, yet the ideas are still valid today.