Bob Smith

Robert "Bob" Proctor (1934-2022) was a Canadian author and entrepreneur recognized for his teachings on self-help and the law of attraction. His most famous work, "You Were Born Rich" (1984), became a New York Times bestseller and contributed to his role in the 2006 film "The Secret."

Proctor's core philosophy centered on the belief that cultivating a positive self-image is essential for achieving success. He frequently discussed the pseudoscientific concept of the law of attraction, suggesting that positive thoughts can influence reality. While his ideas gained significant traction and were credited by some with increasing interest in the law of attraction, medical professionals expressed concerns that individuals might prioritize his methods over conventional medical treatments. Proctor himself maintained that his teachings represented fundamental universal laws.

Proctor described a childhood marked by low self-esteem and ambition. After leaving high school early due to a hand injury, he worked various manual labor jobs. He later served in the Canadian Royal Navy but primarily on shore duty. A pivotal moment occurred in the early 1960s while working for the Toronto Fire Department, when he was introduced to the book "Think and Grow Rich." Proctor credited this book with transforming his perspective and leading him to quit his job. He then founded a cleaning service company, which he claimed generated over $100,000 in its first year, despite his lack of formal business education or experience.

Proctor's teachings emphasized accessing one's "inner self" as the controller of life circumstances. He argued that a negative self-perception, termed a "paradigm," could lead to poor outcomes regardless of knowledge or skill. He posited that all things in the universe vibrate and that similar vibrations attract each other. Proctor used imagery related to Kirlian photography to suggest that the mind and body emit "energy fields" that can be harnessed through specific thought frequencies to attract desired results, such as wealth or clients. Critics pointed out that this interpretation misrepresented quantum mechanics and Kirlian photography, as no such energy fields have been scientifically validated, nor can bodies alter their vibrational frequencies to attract specific material items.

Despite ongoing criticism from experts, Proctor maintained that the law of attraction could enable individuals to alter any aspect of their lives. He even attributed global economic downturns to widespread negative "vibrational negativity." His approach drew significant attention, with some suggesting his work contributed to the growing popularity of the law of attraction. However, medical experts voiced concerns that individuals might forgo necessary medical interventions in favor of Proctor's positive thinking strategies. A 2009 Wall Street Journal article suggested that followers who believed they could simply opt out of economic recessions were being misled.

“It was dangling there. It still hurts, and that's 60 years ago”

“dumb jobs, like factories, freaking gas stations, you know, changing tires, lubricating cars, oil, changing the oil. I just did anything that come along.”

“the basic laws of the universe”