Quimby received almost no formal education, but was far from unaware of philosophical thought, especially common sense realism, which was important in his day. He devised his own terminology, and there are differences of opinion as to how some of it should be interpreted. He referred to his outlook by various names, including Science of Life and Happiness and Science of Health and Happiness. At least once he referred to Christian Science, which name later was adopted by one of his patients, Mary Baker Eddy, for her own system. Although Quimby remains relatively unknown, there have been some notable efforts to present the essence of his thought.
Happiness is determined by belief.
Life responds to our beliefs. Beliefs can be changed. Perfect Wisdom is available. The omnipresent Wisdom, the warm, loving Father of us all, Creator of all the universe, whose works are good, whose substance is an invisible reality. The real man, whose life is eternal in the invisible kingdom of God, whose senses are spiritual and function independently of matter.