Orison Swett Marden

Orison Swett Marden was born in 1850 in Thornton Grove, New Hampshire. He was a writer, and was associated with the New Thought Movement. He was the founder of Success Magazine, as well as being a medical doctor and hotel owner.

Background

Orison’s parents died when he was a child, and he and his two sisters were shuffled amongst several guardians. He was inspired by a self help book by Samuel Smiles, a Scottish author. He was from on then determined to improve his life. He graduated from Boston University in 1871, and received his M.D. from Harvard in 1881. He later studied at Andover Theological Seminary and the Boston School of Oratory.

“Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.”

He worked his way through college employed at a hotel, and later became owner of a resort and several hotels. Financial reverses caused him to once again seek employment in a hotel; this time as a hotel manager in 1893. He began to write down his philosophical ideas with the intention of empowering others as he was inspired by Samuel Smiles.

“Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them.”

Books by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. and Ralph Waldo Emerson, also contributed to his education, and motivation to help others improve and succeed. Orison’s first book, Pushing to the Front was published in 1894. He then wroter several others on positive thinking, will power, and overall success. He founded Success Magazine in 1897.

As a proponent of the New Thought Movement, Orison truly believed in the power of thought to influence our life and circumstances. He saw financial success as a result of one’s personal development. And this kind development can start at any age. Kids’ allowance is as vital an accomplishment as any multi-million or billion dollar business deal. It’s the life enhancing habits that are formed that make the difference.

Orison Swett Marden made a major impact in the lives of others over the past century. Whether influencing business men and women to do their best and excel in their work, or motivating children to complete their chore lists, he was able to convey his message clearly and succinctly in his writings and his legacy of Success Magazine. He died in 1924 at the age of 74.

Let’s close with one final quote from Orison:

"The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your environment; it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone."

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