The Law of Increase: Wattles on the Exact Science of Getting Rich

“No matter whether you are a physician, a teacher, or a clergyman, if you can give increase of life to others and make them sensible of the fact, they will be attracted to you, and you will get rich…

The combined mental and personal action I have described is infallible; it cannot fail. Every man and woman who follows these instructions steadily, perseveringly, and to the letter, will get rich. The law of the Increase of Life is as mathematically certain in its operation as the law of gravitation; getting rich is an exact science.” – Wallace Wattles, “The Science of Getting Rich.”

What if getting rich wasn’t luck, chance, or even a matter of talent but a science, as exact and dependable as gravity? Wallace Wattles believed it is. His bold claim: when you focus on giving increase of life to others, wealth becomes inevitable. Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or just starting out, this principle is as relevant today as it was a century ago. In a noisy marketplace, the surest way to attract clients, customers, and opportunities is by making people feel that life is richer, fuller, and better because they came into contact with you.

Why Wattles’ Wisdom Still Matters Today

In today’s world of competition and instant gratification, many entrepreneurs chase quick wins, but quick wins rarely build lasting wealth. Wattles shifts the perspective: success flows to those who consistently add to the lives of others.

• Value attracts abundance. People naturally gravitate toward those who improve their lives.
• Trust builds wealth. Customers return and refer when they feel uplifted and respected.
• The “law of increase” compounds. Just like gravity, this principle works consistently when applied steadily and with perseverance.

For modern entrepreneurs, this means that getting rich isn’t about taking more, it’s about creating more.

Practical Action Steps for Entrepreneurs and Startups

1. Ask: How Can I Give Increase of Life?: In every product, service, or interaction, focus on leaving people better off, more informed, more inspired, more capable, or more fulfilled.
2. Make Value Visible: It’s not enough to give; people must feel and recognize the increase. Share testimonials, communicate benefits clearly, and show clients the progress they’re making with you.
3. Practice Steady, Persevering Action: Wattles stresses that the law works when followed consistently. Set daily standards for service, follow-ups, and value delivery that never slip.
4. Treat Business as Service: Shift your perspective from “making sales” to “serving lives.” This mindset magnetizes opportunities and keeps customers loyal.
5. Align Mental and Personal Action: Visualize success and opportunities (mental action), then execute with excellence in your work, communication, and delivery (personal action). Both are required.

Wattles’ principle is both profound and practical: wealth flows to those who give increase of life. When people leave your presence, your website, or your store feeling enriched, they want more of it and they’ll gladly exchange value for it.

The law of increase is just as dependable as gravity. Apply it steadily, persevere, and success won’t be a matter of chance, it will be a matter of certainty.