Florence Scovel Shinn - The Path of Greatness: The Game of Life and How to Play It and Other Essential Works

The Path of Greatness is one of the first titles I chose for the new Library of Spiritual Wisdom series of books. This series is designed to bring the classic spiritual works from the last two centuries to modern readers.

The magic of Florence Scovel Shinns booksthe four of them collected in this volumeis that they have always felt contemporary, even (and especially) today. While some of the other books in the series are written in language that can feel dated, Shinns books remain fresh and easy to read, practical and helpful. They read like the works of your best friend, urging you forward. Ive written about Shinn before (portions of this foreword appeared in a different edition of The Game of Life), but even now, as I look back at the four works you are holding, Im struck by just how simple Shinn makes life.

Life is difficult. Everything seems so hard. Im always broke. Ill never find my soulmate. Work is a grind. Nothing ever seems to work out for me.

These are only some of the many negative thoughts that can run rampant through our minds. Many people can relate to the idea that life doesnt seem to turn out the way we thought it would or hoped it would.

But is that true? Or is that just what we tell ourselves? Is it possible that we make life so much more difficult than it needs to be? And is it even remotely possible that life can be fun? Even a game?

That is the premise of Florence Scovel Shinns classic masterpiece, The Game of Life & How to Play It. Originally published in 1925, The Game of Life & How to Play It has never been out of print, and over the years has sold millions of copies. Originally self-published by the author after no publisher would accept it, the book has gone on to influence people from all walks of life, from business leaders to students, to spiritual teachers such as Louise Hay, Norman Vincent Peale, and Emmet Fox.

When a book continues to inspire readers nearly a century after original publication, it generally means that the ideas in the book are universal and applicable. That is absolutely true for The Game of Life & How to Play It. The book contains simple-yet-powerful advice for living a positive life. In fact, Shinn shows how we can turn our life into a game, turn our minds into power attractors of abundance at every turn, in every area of our lives.

Filled with stories from the authors life as well as the lives of her many students, The Game of Life & How to Play It also contains instructions on changing your viewpoint from one of limitation and negativity, to that of possibility and positivity. She also shows how affirmations can yield powerful effects, and even gives us affirmations to use.

Shinn used these ideas and practices in her own life. Born in New Jersey in 1871, Shinn became an artist, book and magazine illustrator, and even an actress in New York City. For a time, she married Everett Shinn, an artist of some note, part of the Ashcan school of American art, which was popular in the early 1900s. They were a bohemian couple, friendly with many of the movers and shakers in the New York art scene, and even traveled together to Europe. The marriage, however, didnt last.

Known to her friends as Flossie, the divorced Shinn ended up living on her own in Manhattan. Shinn became interested in New Thought teachings, and eventually became a popular spiritual teacher. It is from these experiences that she wrote her books. The Game of Life & How to Live It was the one that captured the attention of millions over the years, and continues to change readers lives to this day.

As described above, The Game of Life is her most well-known book, but her other three books are just as deserving.

Your Word Is Your Wand is a collection of affirmations, designed to help the reader enlarge their thoughts and increase their ability to receive lifes riches.

The Secret Door to Success is Shinns volume that shows how to direct your thoughts toward creating success in every area of your life.

The Power of the Spoken Word is her definitive teaching on the power of positive thinking, and how our words have power.

We titled this book The Path of Greatness because read together, they are like a compass, leading the reader toward their own highest potential. Each of her four books are short, to the point, and motivational. She tells story after storyfrom her life, and the lives of those around herof how she and others were able to turn their lives around and experience abundance and joy. The stories are often what people love the most about Shinns books, since they show how we can apply the concepts to our lives.

As you read the book, be prepared to see your life in a new way. Shinn is clear that we have a choice in how we perceive and live our lives. Not only that, but that we have a responsibility to elevate our attitude and thoughts, which will in turn change every area in our life. She doesnt leave room for doubt, complaints, or procrastination. Follow the positive ideas in this book and see positive effects ripple in your life as well.

Shinn is the perfect travel guide to this adventure called life. While her family was not poor, she also wasnt born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She also never claimed to be a pious spiritual guru, removed from the world. Instead she was just like so many of us. She was a divorced woman in the early 20th Century, who worked for a living and used the principles she taught and wrote about in these four books to create her best life.

Now its your turn. Read and enjoy Shinns practical wisdom. Think of her as your friend, wanting the best for you and your life, and showing you how. Use her affirmations, or write your own. Whatever you do, have fun learning and living the game of your life. Flossie would be proud!

Joel Fotinos