The Game of Life and How to Play It”

 

The Game of Life and How to Play It” is a 1925 metaphysical self‑help book by Florence Scovel Shinn that teaches life operates by spiritual laws—such as the Law of Prosperity, the Power of the Word, and the Law of Nonresistance—and that you ‘play’ by aligning thoughts, words, and imagination with good to shape your reality.

Overview of the Book

Florence Scovel Shinn’s classic text presents life not as a struggle but as a game governed by spiritual principles. These principles, she argues, determine outcomes in health, prosperity, relationships, and self‑expression. The book draws heavily on biblical references and New Thought philosophy. 

Key Themes

Life is a game of giving and receiving — What you send out returns to you (“Whatsoever a man soweth…”). 

Imagination creates reality — The “imaging faculty” shapes external circumstances.

Words have power — Spoken words impress the subconscious and manifest outwardly. 

Spiritual laws govern outcomes — Including prosperity, karma, forgiveness, and nonresistance.

Intuition is guidance — Following inner direction aligns you with your “Divine Design.”

The Core “Rules” of the Game

Shinn outlines several laws that govern how to “play” life successfully:

1. The Law of Prosperity

Prosperity flows when you expect good, give freely, and avoid fear-based thinking.

Shinn emphasizes gratitude and affirmations to align with abundance. 

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Project Gutenberg

2. The Power of the Word

Words act as commands to the subconscious.

Positive declarations create positive outcomes; negative speech produces obstacles. 

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Project Gutenberg

3. The Law of Nonresistance

Avoid fighting circumstances; instead, remain calm and receptive.

Resistance strengthens the problem; nonresistance dissolves it. 

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4. The Law of Karma & Forgiveness

Every action returns to the sender.

Forgiveness neutralizes negative karma and frees the individual. 

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Project Gutenberg

5. Casting the Burden

Shift worries to the subconscious or “Infinite Intelligence,” trusting that solutions will appear.

This is done through affirmations and releasing fear. 

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6. Intuition or Guidance

Intuition is the “inner voice” that directs you toward right action.

Following it leads to your highest good. 

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7. Perfect Self‑Expression

Each person has a unique “Divine Design.”

Success comes from aligning with your true purpose rather than forcing outcomes. 

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How to “Play” the Game of Life (According to Shinn)

Step 1: 

Control Your Thoughts and Words

Speak only what you want to manifest.

Avoid negative predictions, criticism, or fear-based statements.

Step 2: 

Use Affirmations and Denials

Shinn provides affirmations to replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones.

Example: “There is no failure in Divine Mind; therefore, I cannot fail.” 

Step 3: 

Visualize the Desired Outcome

Train the imagination to picture only good.

Shinn calls imagination “the scissors of the mind,” cutting patterns that later appear in life. 

Step 4: 

Practice Nonresistance

Let go of struggle.

Accept situations calmly and trust that the right path will open.

Step 5: 

Follow Intuition

Act on inner guidance rather than forcing outcomes.

Step 6: 

Give Freely

Generosity opens the flow of prosperity.

Step 7: 

Forgive

Forgiveness clears mental and spiritual blocks.

Not to Be Confused With:

 The Game of Life Board Game

If you meant the Hasbro board game, it is a family board game where players navigate life events—education, career, marriage, children, and retirement—using a spinner and accumulating money and Life tiles. The winner is the player with the highest total wealth at retirement. 

Final Note

Florence Scovel Shinn’s The Game of Life and How to Play It remains a foundational New Thought text, teaching that life’s outcomes reflect inner beliefs, words, and imagination