How To Get What You Want - 5. FORCE THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS - Orison Swett Marden (1917) - HQ Full Book. 

A Powerful Tribute to the Unstoppable Force of Will
In “Force That Moves Mountains,” the fifth installment of Orison Swett Marden’s How to Get What You Want, the acclaimed author delves deep into the indomitable power of the human will. Written in the aftermath of the 19th century’s sweeping industrial revolution and on the cusp of the modern era, this 1917 essay stands as a timeless tribute to persistence, purpose, and the untapped potential of human character. Marden, a pioneer of the self-help movement and founder of Success magazine, believed deeply in the transformative power of the mind. Drawing inspiration from both spiritual and philosophical traditions, he argues that the human will—rightly focused and passionately applied—can overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting. Mountains, in this context, become metaphors for the trials, doubts, and barriers that life presents. The force that moves them is not physical strength, but unwavering determination.  

The Power Within: Will as Creative Energy
At the heart of this essay is a bold assertion: our inner force, when combined with conviction, can shape reality. Marden writes with the certainty of someone who has seen lives transformed by belief and effort. He rejects the notion of fate as something externally imposed. Instead, he posits that what we often accept as destiny is merely a reflection of our inner choices. The man who achieves, he insists, is not necessarily the one with the most talent or resources, but the one with the strongest will. This theme aligns closely with the broader New Thought movement, which saw great popularity in the early 20th century. It emphasized mental discipline, visualization, and spiritual optimism. Yet, unlike some of his contemporaries who drifted into mysticism, Marden grounded his message in practical action. Willpower, for him, wasn’t a vague notion—it was a tool for daily life, forged through habit, discipline, and belief.  

Will in Action: Real Examples of Triumph
Throughout Force That Moves Mountains, Marden offers a parade of historical and contemporary figures who exemplified this unstoppable force of will. He points to inventors, leaders, entrepreneurs, and reformers who carved new paths by sheer persistence. Whether it's Abraham Lincoln rising from obscurity or Thomas Edison refusing to accept failure, Marden reminds readers that these icons began with ordinary tools—often nothing more than grit, clarity of purpose, and the refusal to give up. In showcasing these stories, Marden isn’t merely offering motivational anecdotes. He is constructing a larger argument: the will is the common denominator behind all enduring success. Intelligence, background, and luck might play roles, but they pale in comparison to the enduring, resilient application of inner force. Even in a time of global upheaval—World War I was ongoing when this was published—Marden’s optimism burns brightly. For him, the human spirit is stronger than circumstance.  

Character as Will Embodied
Marden also closely ties will to character. He argues that individuals who achieve great things often possess a strong moral compass, a clarity of values, and a steady emotional core. Will, in this sense, is not just about exertion—it is about integrity, consistency, and the courage to stay true to one’s vision even when it's unpopular or inconvenient. This connection between character and will sets Marden apart from later self-help thinkers who focus more exclusively on external strategies. For Marden, the mountain-moving force is born not only from ambition, but from inner alignment. When desire, belief, and values are unified, a person becomes truly unstoppable.  

The Will and the Law of Growth
One of the most compelling aspects of this essay is Marden’s belief in the developability of will. He asserts that willpower is not an inborn trait, reserved for the lucky few—it is a capacity that can be strengthened, like a muscle. Through repetition, discipline, and conscious training, anyone can grow into a person of great internal force. He encourages readers to cultivate habits of decisiveness, focus, and positive thinking. Small, daily victories—resisting distraction, following through on commitments, silencing doubts—become the building blocks of greater triumphs. In this way, Marden democratizes success. Anyone, regardless of birth or circumstance, can learn to move mountains.  

Practical and Philosophical Insights
Although rich with inspiration, Force That Moves Mountains also offers practical guidance. Marden encourages readers to define clear goals, eliminate distractions, and surround themselves with uplifting influences. He warns against “paralysis of analysis”—the tendency to overthink instead of act. Action, powered by belief, is the gateway to fulfillment. At the same time, the essay is deeply philosophical. It reflects a worldview in which the universe responds to effort and the human soul is inherently creative. Echoes of Emerson’s self-reliance and William James’s psychology of belief can be felt in Marden’s tone. The result is a harmonious blend of practical and idealistic writing—a vision of success rooted both in action and higher purpose.  

Relevance Today
Over a century later, Force That Moves Mountains remains powerfully relevant. In an age where distractions are constant and doubt is easily amplified by media and comparison, Marden’s call to inner focus and tenacity feels more urgent than ever. The idea that consistent willpower can cut through chaos and create real change is a message that still resonates with entrepreneurs, students, artists, and seekers of all kinds. Moreover, Marden’s work invites readers to reclaim their agency. In a world often shaped by external forces—economic uncertainty, technological disruption, societal flux—his message is refreshingly empowering: you are the force that moves the mountain.  

Conclusion
Orison Swett Marden’s “Force That Moves Mountains” is more than a motivational essay—it is a clarion call to human potential. Through vivid examples, philosophical insight, and passionate prose, Marden makes the case that the will is not only powerful, but paramount. With it, the impossible becomes possible, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. In reading it, we are reminded that greatness does not begin with conditions—it begins with choice. It begins when an individual says, “I will,” and then never looks back.  

#selfhelp #successmindset #orisonswettmarden #motivationdaily #personaldevelopment #mindsetmatters #inspirationdaily #positivethinking #successquotes #selfgrowth #innerpower #goalsetter #manifestyourdreams #successhabits #believeinyourself #mentalclarity #lifepurpose #prosperitymindset #timelesswisdom #selfmastery