67 years after L. Ron Hubbard published Dianetics, the 1950 self-help best seller, and precursor to the Scientology religion, the Church of Scientology brands all of its social channels to celebrate the seminal book’s anniversary.
Five Things to Know About Dianetics, 67 Years Old Today
Published May 9, 1950, Dianetics ignited a global movement and laid the groundwork for the Scientology religion.
1. Known as the modern science of mental health, the word Dianetics is derived from Greek dia, “through,” and nous, “mind or soul.” Dianetics is further defined as “what the soul is doing to the body.” When the mind adversely affects the body, it is described as psychosomatic illnesses—physical illnesses caused by the mind or soul.
2. The book is one of 19 basic Dianetics and Scientology books and is available in the 50 languages spoken by 90 percent of the world’s population.
3. When first published, Dianetics appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for 26 consecutive weeks—120 times in total.
4. The book is published by New Era Publications in Copenhagen and Bridge Publications in Los Angeles, the world’s largest all-digital, print-on-demand facilities. More Dianetics and Scientology books have been distributed in the past 10 years than the previous five decades combined.
5. Smithsonian Magazine listed L. Ron Hubbard among the 100 most significant Americans of all time and the 11 most influential religious figures in American history, citing Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health and the founding of the Scientology religion.
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