The heart of the new thought

Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s work is an early expression of New Thought optimism, emphasizing the power of faith, mental attitude, and inner transformation. Historically important as part of the movement’s literary popularization, it offers readers reflective prose and moral encouragement centered on harmonizing mind and spirit.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1919) was an American poet and journalist best known for her widely read inspirational verse, which often blended New Thought, spiritualist, and moral themes. Although not a systematic occult writer, her work helped popularize optimistic metaphysical and quasi-religious ideas in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American literature.