Book Review: The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy
Bibliographic Information:
Murphy, Joseph. The Power of the Subconscious Mind. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1963. 316 pages. Paperback edition.
Introduction and Thesis
“Whatsoever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” With this biblical quotation, Dr. Joseph Murphy begins his exploration into the untapped potential of the subconscious mind—a spiritual, psychological, and practical guide to self-mastery through belief and mental conditioning. Originally published in 1963, The Power of the Subconscious Mind has since become a cornerstone in self-help literature, often cited in discussions about the Law of Attraction, positive thinking, and the mind-body connection.
The central thesis of the book is clear and consistent: what we impress upon our subconscious mind through thought and belief will manifest in our external reality. Murphy’s key observation is that most people live unaware of how their inner thoughts and mental habits shape their lives—and that by learning to reprogram the subconscious, individuals can transform every aspect of their experience. This review examines how effectively Murphy presents his argument, the sufficiency of his supporting evidence, and the book’s long-standing impact in both popular and psychological domains.
Descriptive Analysis and Evaluation
At its core, The Power of the Subconscious Mind serves two purposes: it aims to demystify the subconscious as a powerful force in shaping personal outcomes, and it seeks to provide practical methods to access and influence that force. Murphy, who was trained in religious science and had a background in psychology and spiritual philosophy, fuses spiritual traditions, mental science, and anecdotal evidence into a cohesive argument: belief is more than mental noise—it is causative.
The book is divided into 20 chapters, each focusing on different life applications—health, relationships, finances, career, sleep, and happiness—where the subconscious mind plays a vital role. Murphy systematically addresses how the subconscious can either hinder or heal, depending on what is fed into it. This consistent thematic exploration offers a broad application of his central thesis, making the book feel simultaneously philosophical and hands-on.
Murphy’s purpose is to empower the individual, to encourage the reader to take responsibility for their mental environment, and to awaken them to the creative power of their own thoughts. He draws from sources such as biblical scripture, New Thought philosophy, and anecdotal stories—testimonies of people who changed their lives by changing their inner beliefs. In this, Murphy succeeds in being both a guide and a motivator. The book is not academic in tone, but pastoral and inspirational—geared more toward transformation than technical analysis.
Author’s Arguments and Thematic Content
The key argument Murphy makes is that the subconscious mind operates independently of rational reasoning. It doesn’t distinguish between good or bad, true or false—it merely accepts what is impressed upon it through belief and repetition. Therefore, if a person constantly thinks negative thoughts, their subconscious will align their behavior and perception to reflect those beliefs. Conversely, positive thinking and mental discipline can rewire the subconscious to generate success, peace, and wellness.
Recurring themes include faith, repetition, visualization, prayer, and affirmations. For instance, Murphy emphasizes the power of autosuggestion—the act of mentally rehearsing desired outcomes until they become subconscious beliefs. He tells stories of individuals curing themselves of illness or achieving wealth by practicing these principles with unwavering conviction. Another major theme is the idea of mental causation: external conditions are the result of inner states.
While compelling, some of Murphy’s claims—such as those about miraculous healings or spontaneous financial windfalls—lack empirical evidence. They are largely anecdotal and often unverifiable. Nonetheless, for his intended audience, which consists primarily of spiritual seekers and readers of self-help literature, these stories reinforce the motivational tone of the book.
Sources, Evidence, and Methodology
Murphy’s use of sources is eclectic. He frequently references biblical scripture, Eastern philosophy, spiritual texts, and metaphysical literature. However, his evidence base is overwhelmingly anecdotal. The book includes dozens of case studies and stories that illustrate the transformative power of belief—from people overcoming chronic illness to businessmen achieving success by affirming prosperity. These examples are meant to serve as proof of concept.
That said, from a critical standpoint, the absence of scientific studies or controlled psychological research weakens the academic robustness of his claims. Readers looking for peer-reviewed evidence or data-driven analysis may find the book insufficient in this regard. Murphy’s methodology is not empirical but experiential—he invites the reader to test the principles in their own lives as a form of proof.
One could argue that he could have benefited from incorporating more psychological research (even available at the time) on conditioning, belief systems, or placebo effects to support his points. However, given the book's intended purpose and audience, his reliance on personal testimony and spiritual wisdom does fit the context.
Organization and Writing Style
Murphy’s writing style is clear, repetitive, and didactic. He repeats core ideas deliberately—almost like affirmations themselves—so that the reader internalizes the key lessons. This can be both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, repetition aids memorability; on the other, it may frustrate readers looking for more intellectual variety or depth in later chapters.
His tone is warm, persuasive, and often pastoral. He writes less like a scholar and more like a mentor or preacher, which helps make complex ideas digestible for a broad readership. He avoids jargon and presents psychological principles through storytelling and metaphor. For example, he compares the subconscious mind to a fertile garden—what you plant (your thoughts), you will harvest (your reality). These analogies are simple but powerful, making the text approachable.
In terms of structure, the book flows logically from general principles to specific applications. Each chapter builds upon the last, though many can also stand alone as thematic essays on individual topics such as healing, forgiveness, or prosperity.
Conclusion and Final Appraisal
The Power of the Subconscious Mind is a book that has stood the test of time—not because of scientific rigor, but because of its deeply human appeal: the promise that one can change their life by changing their thoughts. While its methodology may not satisfy skeptics or academics, its message continues to resonate with millions seeking clarity, purpose, and personal transformation.
This book is not without its limitations. Its reliance on anecdotal evidence and spiritual language may deter readers looking for more concrete psychological or neuroscientific grounding. However, for its intended audience—those looking to improve their lives through mindset and belief—it is an empowering and worthwhile read.
Ultimately, Murphy’s work makes a lasting contribution to the self-help genre. It helped pave the way for the explosion of interest in subconscious programming, manifestation, and positive psychology. Readers who appreciate works by authors like Napoleon Hill, Louise Hay, or Wayne Dyer will find Murphy’s writing both familiar and foundational.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers interested in self-development, spirituality, or the practical application of mental discipline. Not suited for readers seeking academic analysis or scientific research.
