Ernest Shurtleff Holmes (1887-1960) was an avid student of the world's spiritual systems. He found in these a common denominator he called the Science Mind, a practical philosophy for abundant living. Beginning as self-educated lecturer, Holmes developed a large following of students and went on to formalize his work by founding Science of Mind magazine, an educational institute, and the United Church Religious Science. His writings have inspired the work of countless clergy, business leaders, physicians, and psychologists and have helped to shape the guiding principles of the modern human potential movement, both spiritual and secular. Born and raised in Maine, Holmes spent much of his adult life in California.