James Allen described From Poverty to Power, Or, the Realization of Prosperity and Peace as a book for all those who are in search of better conditions, wider freedom, and increased usefulness. This book is novel in its approach in as much as it emphasizes the importance of human potential over external factors in achieving success and happiness Divided into two parts - The Path of Prosperity and The Way of Peace - Allen's first book, published in 1901, attempts to change the way we perceive the very conditions of human life. According to the author, The cause of all power, as of all weakness, is within; the secret of all happiness as of all misery is likewise within.