Eight pillars of prosperity

Eight pillars of prosperity is a Personal development work written by James Allen in 1911.

In this book, James Allen reflects on the principles that build a prosperous or successful life. For the author, prosperity is based on a series of pillars that serve as a moral foundation for everything else.

For Allen, the key to achieving what you set out to do is to have the right values. The successful person in life is the one who does not waver with his or her morals when making decisions. Moreover, it is an ongoing thing: it is not enough to act morally to achieve prosperity, but it is a never-ending journey in which you have to act under those moral principles.

Each chapter is dedicated to expounding one of these pillars and suggesting morals to follow. Each pillar is important separately, but they are much more valuable when combined together. The pillars proposed by James Allen are:

• Energy
• Economy
• Integrity
• System
• Sympathy
• Sincerity
• Impartiality
• Self-reliance

It is quite an interesting read for anyone who wants to consider what things they should prioritize in life for greater fulfillment and prosperity at all levels.

"Prosperity rests upon a moral foundation. It is popularly supposed to rest upon an immoral foundation - that is, upon trickery, sharp practice, deception and greed. One commonly hears even an otherwise intelligent man declare that “No man can be successful in business unless he is dishonest,” thus regarding business prosperity - a good thing - as the effect of dishonesty - a bad thing."