Chapter 1: Introduction to Michael Jackson's Inspiration

In celebration of Michael Jackson's birthday on August 29, I would like to share a captivating segment from my upcoming expanded edition of Secrets of Self-Mastery. This is an opportunity to delve into the mind of the King of Pop, an artist whose legacy remains both celebrated and debated. While his life was indeed complicated, it is essential to honor his contributions to art and inspiration.

I want to present a remarkable handwritten note by Michael, which captures the essence of inspirational metaphysics, often referred to as New Thought. This note aligns closely with the teachings of motivational author Napoleon Hill and intriguingly invites you, the reader, to personalize it by adding your own goals. This remarkable piece has never been published in book form until now.

Michael was well-versed in the principles of metaphysics and the influence of positive thinking. This philosophy significantly shaped his artistic perspective. Notably, Michael adored James Allen's 1903 classic, As a Man Thinketh. He shared with a childhood friend in Philadelphia that this meditation was his “favorite book in the world.” Many influential figures in American motivational literature, including Napoleon Hill and Norman Vincent Peale, recognized the profound impact of Allen's work. Dale Carnegie himself noted that it had a “lasting and profound effect” on his life.

I came across Michael's original note during a visit to Atlantic City in 2019, where it was displayed at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This authenticated document, written in cursive on the back of a laundry service order form, offers insight into Michael's thoughts on creativity and the philosophies that inspired him.

Below, I've transcribed his message just as it appeared in his handwriting. It's important to note that this message is incomplete, as Michael left a space for the reader to fill in. This is an invitation to engage with the thought process of an icon and utilize it as a tool for your own self-discovery:

I have learned that it is what you put in your mind. Mentally, what you think and do shapes who you are. You can introduce any mental object into your mind, and it will manifest in reality. This means we can program ourselves to become the individuals we aspire to be, regardless of the subject matter, by immersing ourselves in a mental and physical program, a system of learning and doing, studying the greats in that field to elevate ourselves. My program will consist of, _________________________________

His statement is referenced from “Radnor Family Had Inside Look at Michael Jackson” by Patti Mengers, Delaware County Daily Times (PA), June 28, 2009.

Section 1.1: The Influence of As a Man Thinketh

Michael's admiration for James Allen’s work sheds light on his creative philosophy. The book emphasizes the power of thought and self-discipline, concepts that were integral to Michael's approach to life and artistry.

Subsection 1.1.1: A Visual Representation of Inspiration

Chapter 2: Engaging with Michael's Philosophy

This chapter will explore how Michael's insights can be applied to our personal journeys, encouraging us to harness our thoughts for positive change.