Most Powerful Ideas

Quick, name history’s most powerful ideas!

Democracy? Yeah, that’s a pretty good one. It’s held up well for 2,000+ years.

Compound interest? OK, less sexy, but it sure does work.

“Don’t let the door hit you on the way out?” Hmm, odd that you would mention that one, but it’s practical—I like it, I like it.

How about: “What you think, you become.”

I know, right? Let that wrinkle your brain for a minute.

Humans usually embrace good ideas; it’s why we all brush our teeth. But the idea that our thoughts become our reality? Well, that’s something we tend to forget, even if we know it’s true.

We prefer to tinker with our outside worlds—to switch our diets, change jobs, try a new life hack. Don’t get me wrong. These do help you move toward a better life.

But the most successful people in history know this: Your thoughts create your reality.