Vernon Howard

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Vernon Howard – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and spiritual teachings of Vernon Linwood Howard (1918–1992) — American author, philosopher, and teacher of inner transformation. Learn about his works, philosophy, and memorable quotes that continue to inspire.

Introduction

Vernon Linwood Howard (March 16, 1918 – August 23, 1992) was an American spiritual teacher, author, and philosopher whose writings and lectures centered on self-awareness, inner transformation, and the release of the ego or “false self.”

He began writing more popular works in the 1960s and later founded the New Life Foundation, where he taught his integrative approach combining Christian mysticism, Eastern ideas, and psychological insight.

His books—such as Psycho-Pictography, The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power, The Power of Your Supermind, and 1500 Ways to Escape the Human Jungle—have influenced many spiritual seekers.

In this article, we examine his life, teachings, legacy, and a collection of his most resonant quotes.

Early Life & Background

Vernon Howard was born near Haverhill, Massachusetts on March 16, 1918.

Later, in the late 1950s and into the 1960s, he turned increasingly toward speaking and writing about personal development, spiritual growth, and psychological insight.

He relocated to southern California and then later to Boulder City, Nevada, where he began offering classes in spiritual development and inner transformation.

Over time, he drew from multiple influences: Christian mysticism, Eastern spiritual traditions, Jungian psychology, the teachings of Gurdjieff (the “Fourth Way”), and American transcendentalism.

Philosophy & Teachings

Howard’s philosophy is grounded in the idea that human suffering is rooted in the false self — the ego’s identity built from limiting beliefs, self-images, and unconscious conditioning.

He taught that to awaken to a higher, more authentic life, one must:

• Practice self-honesty: examining one’s habitual thoughts, feelings, and mental images without denial.

• Release identification with the ego: letting go of fixed self-images to access deeper awareness.

• Inner transformation over external change: lasting change comes from within, not by merely altering outer conditions.

• Be teachable: even deeply entrenched habits and limitations can be changed, regardless of age or past.

• Use practical methods: he offered exercises, reflections, and mental practices (e.g. Psycho-Pictography) to make these transformations tangible.

Howard believed spiritual growth is not mystical escape, but a disciplined process of seeing truth clearly and aligning one’s life accordingly.

He often emphasized that freedom begins with consciousness—becoming aware of one’s inner states, release from negative patterns, and stepping into a more centered being.

Major Works

Some of Vernon Howard’s principal books and writings include:

• Psycho-Pictography: The New Way Use the Miracle Power of Your Mind

• The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power

• Esoteric Mind Power

• The Power of Your Supermind

• 1500 Ways to Escape the Human Jungle

• There is a Way Out

• Mystic Masters Speak

• Paths to Perfect Living

• Action Power: The Miracle Way to a Successful New Life

• Secrets of Mental Magic

• Numerous booklets such as Women — 50 Ways to See Thru Men, Freedom From a Life of Hell, Your Power to Say NO, etc.

Additionally, after he founded the New Life Foundation in 1979, he conducted classes, workshops, and recorded lectures based on these works.

Legacy & Influence

Howard’s influence continues through the organizations and students who carry on his teachings:

• The New Life Foundation remains active (now located in Pine, Arizona) and continues to distribute his books, recorded lectures, and host classes.

• Some of his students founded new organizations to spread his philosophy:
    • The Eagle Literary Foundation (Idaho), founded by Mark L. Butler   • The Life of Learning Foundation (Merlin, Oregon), founded by Guy Finley   • The SuperWisdom Foundation (internet presence), founded by Tom Russell to share weekly podcasts of his teachings

• His archive of writings and recorded talks has been preserved by students and is accessible online in many places, continuing to reach new generations.

Though he was not as publicly celebrated in his lifetime as some spiritual authors, his legacy endures among those seeking an integrated path of consciousness and self-growth.

Personality & Teaching Style

From accounts of his life and teachings, Vernon Howard can be characterized as:

• Direct and no-nonsense: He addressed illusions, self-deception, and egoic patterns without sugarcoating.

• Integrative: He wove different spiritual, psychological, and mystical traditions into a coherent, practical approach.

• Pragmatic: His teachings were not merely idealistic—they included applied exercises and practices to assist real inner change.

• Compassionate yet firm: He urged effort, persistence, and self-discipline, but always with the assumption that people can evolve.

• Patient teacher: He emphasized that transformation often occurs gradually, and one must not be impatient with apparent slow progress.

Selected Quotes by Vernon Howard

Below are several memorable quotes widely attributed to Vernon Howard, illustrating his core insights:

“You have succeeded in life when all you really WANT is only what you really NEED.” “A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.” “Inner guidance is heard like soft music in the night by those who have learned to listen.” “Truth never pleads or compromises or wavers. It invites and awaits your acceptance.” “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn, and you will.” “Just be honest with yourself. That opens the door.” “Our freedom can be measured by the number of things we can walk away from.” “We must become acquainted with our emotional household: we must see our feelings as they actually are, not as we assume they are. This breaks their hypnotic and damaging hold on us.” “A person obsessed with the need to be happy will never be so. The obsession is the obstruction.” “We are exactly where we have chosen to be.”

These convey recurring themes: self-honesty, inner awakening, letting go, and responsibility.

Lessons from Vernon Howard

From his life and teachings, we can derive several practical lessons:

1. True change begins within
   No amount of external improvement can substitute for inner transformation.

2. Self-honesty is key
   The path to freedom lies in confronting illusions, conditioning, and egoic projections.

3. Let go of identification
   Holding tightly to self-images and mental stories is a barrier to growth.

4. Be teachable
   Even entrenched patterns can shift if one remains open, humble, and persistent.

5. Freedom is about what you can release
   Real freedom involves being able to walk away—not cling—to what limits you.

6. Exercise consistency, not speed
   Inner growth may be gradual; perseverance and patience matter more than dramatic overnight transformation.

7. Integrate insight into daily life
   Spiritual teachings are meaningful only when lived in thought, feeling, decision, and action.

Conclusion

Vernon Howard remains an influential but somewhat under-recognized figure in modern spiritual literature. His call for inner honesty, self-awareness, and release from egoic patterns continues to resonate, especially with those seeking a grounded path of transformation rather than purely esoteric mysticism.