Chapter 1: The Legacy of Prentice Mulford

Prentice Mulford (1834–1891) remains an influential figure in American self-improvement literature, despite his legacy fading over time. A journalist, essayist, and mystical thinker, he firmly believed in the transformative power of the mind, a concept that became a cornerstone of New Thought philosophy. His writings played a pivotal role in shifting New Thought from its health-centric roots to a broader metaphysical framework focused on happiness and success.

Mulford's essays from the late 1800s marked a departure from the era's dense, complex language, replacing it with a more relatable style that resonated with a wider audience. This modern vernacular not only broadened the appeal of mind-power philosophies but also established Mulford as a key figure in the self-improvement movement, although he often struggled to apply his own teachings to his life.

Born into a prosperous Long Island family, Mulford's fortunes dwindled after his father's untimely death. At just 15, he left school to support his family by managing a hotel in Sag Harbor, which ultimately failed. Frustrated with the monotony of day labor, he ventured into the sea, joining the tail end of Sag Harbor's whaling industry.

As whaling declined in the late 1850s, Mulford found himself in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, taking on the role of a prospector. While the daily grind of mining was harsh, it provided fertile ground for his budding writing career. Adopting the pen name "Dogberry," he painted a realistic picture of the Gold Rush experience, contrasting sharply with the romanticized narratives of his contemporaries.

In 1866, Mulford's fortunes took a turn when he was appointed as an editor for The Golden Era, a literary journal in San Francisco. His contributions helped spark a literary renaissance, yet financial challenges persisted. In 1872, he attempted a writing and lecture tour in England but returned home with little to show for his efforts.

Back in New York, Mulford grew disillusioned with newspaper reporting, feeling trapped in a cycle of crime and scandal. In 1883, seeking solitude, he built a cabin in New Jersey's woods, aiming to emulate Thoreau. However, loneliness and depression plagued him, leading him to experiment with directed thought in an attempt to control his emotions.

Despite his struggles, Mulford believed in the power of the mind to illuminate life's darker aspects. In 1884, he shifted his focus to writing advice-oriented pamphlets, believing that while the mind might falter, it could tap into spiritual laws. His interest in Spiritualism, kindled during his time in San Francisco, evolved into a belief in the existence of unseen forces that could aid individuals in their daily lives.

Mulford’s most significant work came with the publication of his pamphlets under "The White Cross Library," which collectively became known as Your Forces, And How to Use Them. These writings popularized the idea that thoughts are tangible entities influencing reality, a mantra that would resonate throughout the self-help movement.

Mulford's expression "thoughts are things" drew inspiration from earlier thinkers like Warren Felt Evans, who posited that thoughts shape our spiritual existence. In Mulford's hands, this idea transformed into a practical framework for self-motivation and success.

His writings emphasized the connection between mindset and achievement, asserting that one's prevailing thoughts significantly impact the outcome of endeavors. In Your Forces, Mulford articulated a formula for success that emphasized optimism, determination, and clarity of purpose.

In the essay "The Necessity of Riches," Mulford bluntly addressed material wealth, asserting that it is both rightful and necessary. He argued against the traditional ethos of self-sacrifice, positing instead that spiritual laws govern material acquisition.

Chapter 2: The Mysterious End of a Pioneer

Despite his growing readership, Mulford's life ended in mystery shortly after his 57th birthday. In May 1891, he set sail from Sheepshead Bay on his boat, White Cross, intending to return to Sag Harbor. When his unattended boat was discovered days later, Mulford's body was found aboard, raising questions about the circumstances of his death.

Reports suggested no signs of illness or foul play, leading to speculation about suicide. In his final writings, Mulford reflected on his struggles with depression, hinting at a persistent internal battle between his material and spiritual selves.

In the aftermath of his death, Mulford's contributions to New Thought were overshadowed by later writers who drew from his ideas. Notably, Christian D. Larson and Napoleon Hill echoed Mulford's themes in their works, often without acknowledgment. Despite this, his legacy continued to influence the self-help genre, with the phrase "thoughts are things" becoming a common refrain.

Today, Mulford is largely forgotten, with a few memorials, including a tombstone in Sag Harbor bearing the epitaph "Thoughts Are Things." His life story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities behind the development of modern self-help philosophy and the enduring impact of his ideas.

In conclusion, the journey of Prentice Mulford is a testament to the often-overlooked pioneers of thought who shaped the landscape of self-improvement. His struggles and triumphs continue to resonate, inviting a reevaluation of the ideas that underpin contemporary motivational literature.