I first discovered the little book The Game of Life and How to Play It in my twenties while living in San Francisco. I don’t remember exactly how it came into my hands, if it was recommended to me or whether I bought it on impulse. I do remember taking it from my bookshelf one day, reading the first page, and then putting it back. I suppose I wasn’t ready.
Later, when I eventually picked up the book again and started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Florence Scovel Shinn had the ability to express spiritual principles in a simple and practical way that felt relevant for everyday life. She made me think of my words and how I
used them.
First published in 1925, just a few years before the economic upheaval that culminated in the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, The Game of Life and How to Play It found its way into the hands of readers searching for reassurance and direction. In an era marked by financial anxiety and shifting social realities, Shinn’s message…centered on mindset, intention, trust, and the power of language…offered something both useful and deeply personal. It reminded people that even when external circumstances feel uncertain, they still have control their thoughts and words.
Perhaps this is one reason the book continues to resonate today. It reflects a timeless human need: the desire to move forward with certainty, hope, and determination.
The Game of Life and How to Play It gave me a fresh perspective on ideas I thought I already understood. I was so inspired that I bought additional copies for friends. Over time, I also collected her other writings, which are now available in various compiled editions.
If you decide to read any of Florence Scovel Shinn’s writings, I would love to hear your thoughts.