Florence Scovel Shinn and Joseph Murphy never sat down together for afternoon tea. But imagine, for a moment, that they did.

A quiet tearoom. Fine china. Florence in one of her magnificent hats. Dr. Murphy sitting opposite her. And, naturally, Florence’s black cat underneath the table wondering whether enlightenment comes with cream.

“So, Joseph,” Florence begins, stirring her tea, “I understand you believe the subconscious mind controls rather a lot.”

Murphy smiles. “More than most people realize.”

Florence raises an eyebrow.

“Interesting. I simply tell people to watch what comes out of their mouths.”

And we’re off.

Your Word or Your Subconscious?

Despite coming from different periods, Florence and Murphy shared some remarkably similar ideas.

Florence believed the spoken word could shape our circumstances. In The Game of Life and How to Play It, she repeatedly emphasizes choosing words carefully, combining them with faith, and then watching for intuitive guidance.

Murphy approached similar territory from the direction of the subconscious mind. In The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, he argued that ideas repeatedly impressed upon the subconscious could influence our lives.

“So,” Florence might say, “your subconscious listens to what you repeatedly tell it?”

“Precisely.”

Florence takes another sip.

“That’s what I’ve been saying, dear. You just gave it a longer name.”

Then They Start Talking About Money

Now things get interesting.

Florence taught that God was man’s supply and that people shouldn’t dictate exactly how prosperity must arrive. Speak the word, expect the supply, and remain alert for a definite lead.

Murphy also placed enormous importance on prosperity consciousness. He suggested dwelling on ideas such as wealth and success until they became accepted internally rather than constantly reinforcing thoughts of scarcity.

Florence leans across the table.

“What happens if somebody spends all day saying, ‘I’m broke’?”

Murphy looks horrified.

Florence smiles.

“Thought so.”

Murphy even recommended quietly repeating the word “Wealth” before sleep, using the relaxed period before drifting off to impress the idea upon the subconscious.

Florence considers this.

“One word?”

“One word.”

“Well, that’s economical.”

Where Florence and Murphy Differ

They weren’t teaching exactly the same philosophy.

Florence’s language was distinctly spiritual. She spoke of Infinite Spirit, Divine Supply, Divine Order, faith, and intuitive leads. Her advice was often to speak your word and then wait for guidance about what to do next.

Murphy concentrated much more explicitly on the conscious and subconscious mind. He believed the subconscious was constantly active, including while we slept, and could provide ideas, memories, and inspiration.

Different language.

Different emphasis.

Yet they’re sitting surprisingly close together at our imaginary table.

Perhaps They Would Agree on This

Whether you prefer Florence’s spoken word or Murphy’s subconscious mind, both were warning us about something remarkably simple:

Be careful what you repeatedly tell yourself.

Perhaps Florence would put down her teacup and say:

“Joseph, I think we’re teaching the same class from opposite ends of the room.”

Murphy smiles.

“Perhaps we are.”

Florence reaches for another biscuit.

“Excellent. Now tell me, Joseph — what does your subconscious mind say about having the last one?”

The black cat, apparently unwilling to wait for an answer, makes the decision for them.

P.S. For more about Florence’s approach to manifestation, prosperity, the Law of Attraction, and the Law of Assumption, take a look at Keith Everett’s The Manifestation Code.

P.P.S. And for more Florence Scovel Shinn wisdom — with the occasional cup of tea and Victorian mischief — visit the Florence Scovel Shinn Legacy YouTube channel.