Ernest Holmes Quotes

Powerful Ernest Holmes for Daily Growth

About Ernest Holmes

Ernest Holmes (1887-1960), a seminal figure in New Thought spirituality, was born on March 21, 1887, in Garden Valley, Missouri. His family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's work as a coal miner and farm laborer. This nomadic existence instilled in Holmes an innate curiosity about the universe and a deep longing for spiritual understanding. In his late teens, Holmes encountered books by Ralph Waldo Trine and James Allen, which sparked his interest in metaphysical thought. He later attended the College of Philosophy in Chicago, where he was influenced by Emmet Fox, and went on to study with the founder of Religious Science, Dr. Ernest Shurtleff Williams. Holmes's most significant work is "The Science of Mind," published in 1926. This book synthesized philosophies from Plato, Jesus Christ, Buddha, and other spiritual leaders, forming a comprehensive metaphysical theology based on the idea that the universe is governed by an impersonal, all-encompassing intelligence—the Infinite Mind or God. In 1927, Holmes founded the Institute of Religious Science in Los Angeles, which later became known as Centers for Spiritual Living. The organization grew rapidly, and today it has over 500 centers worldwide. Holmes's teachings emphasized the power of positive thinking, affirmative prayer, and personal responsibility. He believed that individuals have the ability to shape their own reality through their thoughts and emotions. His work continues to inspire many spiritual seekers today. Ernest Holmes passed away on April 7, 1960, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the realm of New Thought and spirituality. His teachings continue to resonate with those seeking a deeper understanding of life's mysteries and a more fulfilling connection with the divine.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The more I understand myself, the more I love myself."

This quote by Ernest Holmes emphasizes that self-understanding and self-love are interconnected and strengthen each other. The more one delves into their own thoughts, feelings, and actions, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, the more they come to appreciate their unique qualities, strengths, and potential. This heightened self-awareness fosters compassion, acceptance, and love for oneself. Essentially, it suggests that self-love is a natural byproduct of self-understanding and personal growth.


"You can't get away from yourself by moving about geographically."

This quote emphasizes that physical location does not change one's inner self or personal issues. Moving to a new place doesn't magically solve personal problems, as they are deeply rooted in our thoughts, emotions, and character. Self-discovery, growth, and peace often require introspection and personal development rather than geographical changes.


"There is a power greater than you in the universe which you can use."

This quote by Ernest Holmes suggests that there exists a universal, transcendent force or power that surpasses individual abilities and understanding, yet it can be harnessed and utilized for one's purpose. It implies that we are not alone in our struggles and achievements; rather, we have the potential to tap into this greater power to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. In essence, it encourages a belief in a higher power or universe that supports us and offers resources beyond what we can personally muster.


"What we think and feel, we create."

This quote by Ernest Holmes emphasizes the powerful connection between our thoughts, feelings, and the reality we manifest in life. In essence, it suggests that our beliefs and emotions shape our experiences and circumstances, for better or worse. If we cultivate positive thoughts and feelings, we'll tend to create a more positive and fulfilling reality; conversely, negative thinking and emotion can lead to a less satisfying life. By recognizing the impact of our inner world on our outer world, we are empowered to consciously choose our thoughts and feelings and thus shape the course of our lives.


"Today is a gift; this is why it is called the 'present'."

The quote emphasizes the value of living fully in the present moment. In other words, today - this very day, this 'gift' we are given - should be cherished, enjoyed, and utilized to its full potential because it is a unique and irreplaceable time that we have been given. It reminds us to appreciate each day as a precious opportunity, rather than taking it for granted or dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.


We can no more do without spirituality than we can do without food, shelter, or clothing.

- Ernest Holmes

Faith, More, Shelter, Clothing

The universe must exist for the self-expression of God and the delight of God.

- Ernest Holmes

Universe, Exist, Must, Delight

Borrowing knowledge of reality from all sources, taking the best from every study, Science of Mind brings together the highest enlightenment of the ages.

- Ernest Holmes

Mind, Study, Sources, Borrowing

Prayer is a thought, a belief, a feeling, arising within the mind of the one praying.

- Ernest Holmes

Prayer, Mind, Thought, Arising

Teach and practice, practice and teach - that is all we have; that is all we are good for; that is all we ever ought to do.

- Ernest Holmes

Practice, Teach, Ever, Ought

The universal Mind contains all knowledge. It is the potential ultimate of all things. To it, all things are possible.

- Ernest Holmes

Mind, Ultimate, Contains, All Things

In principle the great religions of the world do not differ as much as they appear to.

- Ernest Holmes

World, Principle, Appear, Differ

To believe in a just law of cause and effect, carrying with it a punishment or a reward, is to believe in righteousness.

- Ernest Holmes

Law, Reward, Righteousness, Carrying

Each one of us is an outlet to God and an inlet to God.

- Ernest Holmes

God, Each One, Each, Outlet

The road to freedom lies not through mysteries or occult performances, but through the intelligent use of natural forces and laws.

- Ernest Holmes

Freedom, Through, Laws, Forces

Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.

- Ernest Holmes

Life, Mirror, Reflect, Thinker

God gives some more than others because some accept more than others.

- Ernest Holmes

More, Some, Than, Gives

When prayer removes distrust and doubt and enters the field of mental certainty, it becomes faith; and the universe is built on faith.

- Ernest Holmes

Faith, Doubt, Built, Certainty

There was a time when a man was so convinced that the world was round that he was determined to prove it.

- Ernest Holmes

World, Prove, Convinced, Determined

But even in the Christian religion, much of its real meaning is hidden by words that are misleading and symbols that but few understand.

- Ernest Holmes

Hidden, Christian Religion, Misleading

The intellect is a cold thing and a merely intellectual idea will never stimulate thought in the same manner that a spiritual idea does.

- Ernest Holmes

Thought, Will, Intellect, Intellectual

I do not believe that God has imposed suffering upon anyone to punish them or to teach them a lesson.

- Ernest Holmes

Suffering, Imposed, Anyone, Punish

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