Law of Assumption vs Law of Attraction: Key Differences

Law of Assumption vs Law of Attraction

These two manifestation philosophies are often confused, but they differ fundamentally in how they explain reality creation. Understanding these differences can transform your practice and accelerate your results.

The Law of Assumption, taught by Neville Goddard, states that whatever you assume to be true with feeling and conviction becomes your reality. You do not attract anything—you shift into a state where your desire is already fulfilled, and the outer world rearranges to match.

The Law of Attraction, popularized by Abraham Hicks and The Secret, teaches that like attracts like. By raising your vibration through positive thoughts, gratitude, and alignment, you attract matching experiences into your life.

Both approaches agree that your inner world shapes your outer reality. But they differ sharply in how and why that happens.

Key Differences

Philosophy

The Law of Assumption teaches that consciousness is the only reality. There is nothing to attract because everything already exists within you. When you assume a new state—truly feeling it as done—your world must conform. You are not a magnet pulling things toward you. You are the operant power, and reality is your reflection.

The Law of Attraction teaches that the universe is an energetic system where similar frequencies attract each other. By raising your vibration through positive emotions, you come into alignment with your desires and they flow to you. The universe is seen as a separate, responsive force that delivers what matches your energy.

Technique

With the Law of Assumption, the core practice is assuming the state of the wish fulfilled. This means entering the feeling of already having your desire—not hoping for it, not trying to attract it, but knowing it is done. The primary techniques include SATS (State Akin To Sleep), revision, mental diet, and living in the end. The emphasis is on inner conviction over outer action.

With the Law of Attraction, techniques focus on raising your vibration and maintaining positive energy. Common practices include vision boards, gratitude journaling, positive affirmations, scripting, and meditation. The emphasis is on feeling good and staying in a high-vibration state so that good things are attracted to you.

Who Teaches It

The Law of Assumption is primarily associated with Neville Goddard (1905-1972), whose lectures and books form the foundation of this teaching. His students and modern interpreters continue to share his work.

The Law of Attraction is most associated with Esther Hicks (Abraham Hicks), Rhonda Byrne (The Secret), and various modern manifestation coaches. It draws from New Thought philosophy and has become mainstream through bestselling books and films.

Role of the Universe

In the Law of Assumption, there is no external universe granting or denying your desires. You are the creator. Your imagination is God, and what you assume with conviction must harden into fact. There is no asking, waiting, or hoping—only assuming and knowing.

In the Law of Attraction, the universe is treated as a responsive entity. You "ask" the universe, "believe" you will receive, and then allow it to come. The universe decides timing, and you must "let go" and trust the process.

Dealing with Doubt

The Law of Assumption addresses doubt through mental diet—monitoring and revising your inner conversations to stay aligned with your new assumption. If you notice old-man thinking, you simply return to the state of the wish fulfilled. Persistence in assumption is the key, not eliminating all negative thoughts.

The Law of Attraction often teaches that negative thoughts lower your vibration and push your desires away. This can create anxiety about having any negative thought, leading to a cycle of worry about worrying. Some practitioners feel constant pressure to "stay positive."

Effectiveness

Many practitioners report faster, more reliable results with the Law of Assumption because it removes the middleman. You are not waiting for a universe to respond—you are directly shifting your state, which is the cause of all experience. The simplicity of "assume it is done" cuts through complexity.

The Law of Attraction can feel more accessible for beginners because positive thinking and gratitude are easier entry points. However, some practitioners find themselves stuck in a cycle of wanting and hoping without ever fully claiming their desire.

Which Should You Use?

If you want a direct, empowering approach where you take full responsibility for your reality, the Law of Assumption is likely the better fit. It teaches you that you are the operant power and removes dependency on external forces.

If you resonate with the idea of universal energy and find motivation in gratitude practices and positive thinking, the Law of Attraction may be a comfortable starting point. Many people begin with the Law of Attraction and later discover the Law of Assumption as a deeper understanding.

The truth is, many practitioners naturally evolve from the Law of Attraction to the Law of Assumption as they deepen their practice. The Law of Assumption does not contradict the Law of Attraction—it simply goes deeper, removing the need for an intermediary and placing all creative power within you.

Practical Tips for Both Approaches

• Start with whatever resonates. Belief in your method matters more than the method itself
• If you find yourself endlessly hoping and waiting, try shifting to assumption

Use SATS (State Akin To Sleep) to impress your subconscious with the feeling of the wish fulfilled

• Monitor your inner conversations—this is where real change happens
• Do not obsess over technique. The feeling of naturalness is what creates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine both approaches?

Yes. Many practitioners use gratitude and positive thinking from the Law of Attraction while applying the deeper state-shifting principles of the Law of Assumption. The key is to not get stuck in "asking" mode—always return to the knowing that it is already done.

Which is better for beginners?

The Law of Attraction is often easier to start with because positive thinking and gratitude are intuitive. However, the Law of Assumption is simpler in principle—just assume it is done. If you grasp the concept of living in the end, you can start there directly.

Does the Law of Assumption work for specific person manifestation?

Yes. Neville Goddard taught that everyone is you pushed out (EIYPO). When you change your assumption about a person, their behavior toward you shifts to match. The Law of Assumption is widely used for SP manifestation.

Is one scientifically proven over the other?

Neither has been proven in a traditional scientific sense, but both align with principles from psychology—particularly the reticular activating system, confirmation bias, and the power of belief to shape perception and behavior. The Law of Assumption aligns closely with cognitive behavioral principles about how assumptions shape experience.