Florence Scovel Shinn

Florence Scovel Shinn[1†]

Florence Scovel Shinn (1871-1940) began as an artist and illustrator before becoming a prominent New Thought spiritual teacher and writer. Her influential work, "The Game of Life and How to Play It" (1925), outlines her philosophy that individuals attract outcomes through their thoughts and words. Shinn emphasized the power of words and personal agency in shaping one's reality[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Florence Scovel was born on September 24, 1871, in Camden, New Jersey[1†]. She was the daughter of Alden Cortlandt Scovel and Emily Hopkinson Scovel[1†]. Her great, great, grandfather, Francis Hopkinson, signed the Declaration of Independence and is the earliest documented American composer of song[1†].

Shinn was educated in Philadelphia where she attended the Friends Central School[1†]. She studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 1889 to 1897[1†]. It was during her time at the academy that she met her future husband, Everett Shinn (1876–1953), a fairly celebrated painter of impressionistic canvases and realistic murals[1†]. After their marriage, they moved into a studio apartment at 112 Waverly Place, near Washington Square, New York[1†].

Career Development and Achievements

Florence Scovel Shinn began her career as an artist and book illustrator[1†][2†]. She worked as an illustrator in the early 1900s[1†]. She illustrated fiction in Harper’s and other magazines, as well as popular novels such as Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (1901)[1†]. The Society of Illustrators elected her to an Associate Membership in 1903, even though it did not admit women to full membership in the organization until 1922[1†].

In her middle years, Shinn became a New Thought spiritual teacher and metaphysical writer[1†][2†]. She is best known for her first book, The Game of Life and How to Play It, which was published in 1925[1†][2†]. Her metaphysical works began with this self-published book[1†]. She expressed her philosophy as: "The invisible forces are ever working for man who is always ‘pulling the strings’ himself, though he does not know it. Owing to the vibratory power of words, whatever man voices, he begins to attract."[1†]

Shinn also became a popular spiritual lecturer and counselor[1†][3†]. Her books “Your Word Is Your Wand” and “The Game of Life and How To Play It” were released as audiobooks in 2014 and 2015 respectively and were narrated by actress Hillary Hawkins[2†].

First Publication of Her Main Works

Here is a list of her main works:

• “The Game of Life and How to Play It” (1925): This book is considered her most famous work, teaching readers how to live a richer, fuller life by understanding the rules of the game of life[1†][4†].
• “Your Word is Your Wand” (1928): This book is a sequel to her first book and emphasizes the power of spoken words and affirmations[1†][5†].
• “The Secret Door to Success” (1940): This book explores the idea of success and provides readers with tools and insights to find their own “secret door” to success[1†][5†].
• “The Power of the Spoken Word” (1945): This book continues the themes of her previous works, focusing on the power of affirmations and positive thinking[1†][5†].

Each of these works has played a significant role in the New Thought movement and continues to influence readers today[1†][5†][4†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Florence Scovel Shinn’s work has had a significant impact on the field of New Thought and metaphysics[6†][1†][7†]. Her practical approach, filled with references to popular culture, was aimed at making metaphysical ideas accessible to everyday people[6†][7†]. She believed in the power of positive thought and affirmations to bring success, better health, and prosperity into our lives[6†][1†][8†].

Shinn’s writings have been compared to those of Norman Vincent Peale, the father of positive thinking, with some researchers suggesting that some of Peale’s theories originated with Shinn[6†][9†]. Her work emphasizes the vibratory power of words, suggesting that what a person voices, they begin to attract[6†][1†]. This idea is reflected in her book "Your Word is Your Wand"[6†][1†].

However, some critics argue that Shinn’s work goes beyond these ideas as general principles and instead creates a metaphysical system that is buttressed by a talismanic and almost magical view of language[6†]. They point out that her approach to scripture is often eisegetical, ignoring the wider context of verses and reducing snippets to maxims shaped to support her assumptions[6†].

Despite these criticisms, Shinn’s influence remains strong, and her books continue to be widely read and respected in the field of New Thought and beyond[6†][1†][7†].

Personal Life

Florence Scovel was born in Camden, New Jersey, the daughter of Alden Cortlandt Scovel and Emily Hopkinson Scovel[1†]. Her great, great, grandfather, Francis Hopkinson, signed the Declaration of Independence and is the earliest documented American composer of song[1†]. She was educated in Philadelphia where she attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and there met her future husband, the artist Everett Shinn (1876–1953)[1†]. After marriage, they moved into a studio apartment at 112 Waverly Place, near Washington Square, New York. Everett built a theatre next door, and wrote three plays in which Florence played a leading role[1†]. They spent their summers in Plainfield (Cornish Art Colony), New Hampshire in a Colonial-style house designed by her husband[1†]. Florence and Everett divorced in 1912[1†].

Florence demonstrated artistic talent from an early age and went on to study art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia[1†]. It was during her time in Philadelphia that she met her future husband, Everett Shinn, a fellow artist.

Conclusion and Legacy

Florence Scovel Shinn’s journey from artist to influential New Thought teacher is a testament to her resilience and dedication to empowering others. Despite facing challenges, including a separation from her husband and the skepticism surrounding the New Thought Movement, she remained steadfast in her beliefs and teachings.

Shinn was an extraordinary author and spiritual teacher whose teachings continue to inspire and empower people to this day[10†]. Her work has had a lasting impact on the self-help genre, influencing subsequent generations of authors and spiritual teachers[11†]. By empowering readers to take control of their thoughts and beliefs, Shinn’s legacy remains a testament to the transformative power of positive thinking and the law of attraction[11†].

Her legacy lives on through her timeless books and the impact she has made on the lives of countless individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the divine[10†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Flossie Scovel Shinn[12†]
• Born: September 24, 1871, Camden, New Jersey, US[12†][1†]
• Died: October 17, 1940[12†][1†]
• Nationality: American[12†][1†]
• Occupation: Artist, author and New Thought spiritual teacher[12†][1†]
• Notable Works: “The Game of Life and How to Play It” (1925)[12†][1†]
• Notable Achievements: Shinn is recognized for her contributions to the New Thought movement and for her first book, which has had a significant impact on the field of personal development[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Florence Scovel Shinn [website] - link
2. Goodreads - Author: Florence Scovel Shinn (Author of The Game of Life and How to Play It) [website] - link
3. HarvBishop.com - Why Florence Scovel Shinn Matters : Reenvisioning Spirtuality [website] - link
4. Google Books - The Complete Works of Florence Scovel Shinn - Florence Scovel Shinn [website] - link
5. Goodreads - Author: Books by Florence Scovel Shinn (Author of The Game of Life and How to Play It) [website] - link
6. Walking Together Ministries - Some Thoughts on Florence Shinn and The Game of Life and How to Play It [website] - link
7. Sacred-Texts - Shinn - Sacred-Texts [website] - link
8. Goodreads - Book: The Complete Works of Florence Scovel Shinn: The Game of Life and How to Play It; Your Word is Your Wand; The Secret Door to Success; and The Power of the Spoken Word [website] - link
9. Google Books - The Complete Works of Florence Scovel Shinn - Florence Scovel Shinn [website] - link
10. Bookey - 30 Best Florence Scovel Shinn Quotes With Image [website] - link
11. Google Books - The Game Of Life and How To Play It: Unleashing the Power Within to Create ... - Florence Scovel Shinn [website] - link
12. Smithsonian American Art Museum - Florence Scovel Shinn [website] - link