
Disclosure: Links in this post may contain affiliate links, read our advertiser disclosure for more info.
Elsie Lincoln Benedict, an influential figure in the early 20th century, carved a unique niche in the realms of psychology, women's rights, and public speaking. Known predominantly for her captivating lectures and insightful writings, Benedict's work spanned a broad spectrum, from pioneering self-help concepts to actively participating in the women's suffrage movement. Her life, a blend of intellectual rigor, public service, and controversial stances, offers a fascinating study of a woman who was not only ahead of her time but also left an indelible impact on the fields she touched.
Born in 1885, Benedict's journey through the early decades of the 20th century was marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements and contributions that challenged the societal and intellectual norms of her era. As a speaker, she reached over three million people, standing out as one of the most recognized female voices of her time, sharing stages and sentiments with other prominent figures in history.
Her career was a tapestry of varied roles – from a suffragist leader to a celebrated author, from an acclaimed public speaker to a thought leader in psychological and anthropological studies. Benedict's books and lectures, often focusing on personality analysis and self-improvement, mirrored and predated the works of later self-help advocates like Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie.
However, her journey was not without controversies. Some of her views and methodologies, groundbreaking yet unorthodox, sparked debates and criticisms. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, her legacy and the relevance of her ideas have endured, offering intriguing insights into the early intersections of psychology, self-help, and women's empowerment.
This article delves into the life and work of Elsie Lincoln Benedict, exploring the multifaceted legacy of a woman who was truly a pioneer of her times.
Early Life
Elsie Lincoln Benedict's journey began on November 1, 1885, in Osborne, Kansas, where she was born to William and Adella (Allen) Vandergrift. Her early years set the stage for what would become a remarkable life characterized by intellectual pursuit and public advocacy. Showing an inclination towards academia from a young age, Benedict's educational journey was both diverse and extensive.
She studied at Denver University between 1905 and 1907, showcasing her early oratorical skills by securing over 12 gold medals in oratory and becoming the first woman to earn a place in an intercollegiate debate team. Her academic pursuits then took her to Columbia University in Chicago and later to Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she specialized in psychology and anthropology. These formative years in various prestigious institutions honed her intellect and equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and social dynamics.
Her education laid the foundation for her multifaceted career, which saw her navigating roles from a newspaper writer to a lecturer, and eventually to a leading suffragist. It was during her college years that Benedict began to display the qualities that would define her career: a potent mix of eloquence, insightful thinking, and a drive to challenge societal norms.
Benedict's early life was not just about personal growth and academic excellence; it was also where she began to shape her visions and convictions, which would later influence her career, her writings, and her contributions to the causes she championed. Her upbringing, marked by a commitment to learning and an early exposure to public speaking, set the tone for a life that would be dedicated to education, advocacy, and leadership — themes that would prominently feature throughout her varied professional endeavors.
Career and Contributions

Elsie Lincoln Benedict's career was as dynamic and impactful as her early life promised it would be. Post-education, she embarked on a path that saw her making significant contributions in public speaking, women's rights, and psychology.
Get Your Copy of Think & Grow Rich - FREE
just cover shipping!
Political and Public Speaking Career
Benedict's professional life took off with a unique blend of political engagement and public oratory. In 1909, she was appointed as the official reporter of the Colorado Senate by Governor John F. Shafroth, a role she held for three years. Her political involvement deepened with her appointment as Chief of the Advertising Department of the State Land Office. However, it was her later role as a political editor for prominent Denver newspapers that positioned her as a significant voice in Colorado's political and social landscape.
Her marriage to Ralph Paine Benedict, a Harvard graduate, on November 1, 1914, did not slow her career. Instead, it heralded a new phase wherein she became deeply involved in the women's suffrage movement. Notably, her eloquence and organizing skills caught the attention of suffrage leader Carrie Chapman Catt, who described Benedict as a phenomenally progressing and eloquent speaker. Benedict's advocacy and speeches were influential in the suffrage movement, mobilizing support and catalyzing change.
Lecturing and the Benedict School of Opportunity
As a lecturer, Benedict was renowned for her ability to captivate and educate her audience. Her topics ranged from practical psychology to societal issues, often imbued with insights from her studies in psychology and anthropology. Her lectures were not only well-attended but also served as platforms to challenge and inspire societal change.
Benedict's commitment to education and personal development led to her founding the Benedict School of Opportunity, which she referred to as "The Traveling University for Men and Women." This initiative further illustrated her dedication to spreading knowledge and empowering individuals through education.
Advocacy for Women's Rights
Beyond her lecturing and political engagements, Benedict was a tireless advocate for women's rights. Representing the State of Colorado, she became a key figure in the national scene for women's suffrage. Her work in this field was not just limited to speeches and organization but also extended to mentoring and inspiring other women to join the cause.
Related: Free 3-Day "How to Get Anything You Want" Challenge - Hosted by Russell Brunson
Contributions to Psychology and Anthropology
Benedict's interest in psychology and anthropology was evident throughout her career. She used these fields as lenses to understand and explain human behavior, particularly in her lectures and writings. Her approach to these subjects was often practical and accessible, aimed at applying psychological principles to everyday life and personal development.
Throughout her career, Benedict demonstrated a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a commitment to societal change, and an unwavering dedication to women's rights. Her contributions spanned various fields, leaving a legacy that reflected her diverse talents and passions. Her work, particularly in the areas of public speaking, suffrage, and education, not only marked her as a figure of her time but also as a forward-thinking visionary whose ideas and actions continue to resonate.
Books and Lectures
Elsie Lincoln Benedict's influence extended significantly through her books and lectures, which covered a range of topics from psychology and personal development to travel and social commentary. Her writing and speaking not only reflected her profound understanding of human nature and contemporary social issues but also showcased her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and persuasive eloquence.
Prolific Authorship

How to Get Anything You Want (1923)
Benedict's work as an author produced several influential books. Her book, "Human Analysis" (1919), is particularly notable for its insightful exploration of human types and personalities. This work, along with "Practical Psychology" (1920), helped popularize psychology and made it accessible to the general public. In these books, Benedict applied her extensive knowledge of psychology and anthropology to everyday life, offering readers practical advice on understanding and improving themselves and their relationships.
Her collaboration with her husband, Ralph Paine Benedict, resulted in several successful titles. Books like "How to Analyze People on Sight – The Five Human Types" (1921), "The Development of Personality" (1922), and "How to Get Anything You Want" (1923), combined both their insights, further cementing Elsie's reputation as a leading thinker in the field of personal development and psychological types.
Impactful Lectures
Benedict's lectures complemented her written work. Known for her captivating speaking style, she was able to engage with a wide range of audiences on various topics. Her lectures often drew upon her deep understanding of psychology, but she also addressed contemporary social issues, practical advice for daily living, and insights from her travels. Benedict’s ability to connect with her audience, whether through humor, storytelling, or poignant observation, made her a sought-after speaker across the United States.
Global Traveler and Cultural Commentator
Her book, "Our Trip Around the World" (1926), illustrates her skill as a cultural commentator and storyteller. Based on her extensive travels, this book offered readers a glimpse into different cultures and places at a time when such travel was neither easy nor common. Through her detailed observations and vivid narrative style, Benedict brought the wider world to the doorsteps of her readers.
Influence on Personal Development Genre
Benedict's works were pioneering in the genre of personal development and self-help. Her approach to these topics was not just theoretical but also highly practical, providing readers with actionable advice to improve their lives. This pragmatic approach to psychology and personal development can be seen as a precursor to the works of later self-help authors.
Elsie Lincoln Benedict's books and lectures not only spread her ideas far and wide but also solidified her status as an influential thinker and speaker. Her ability to distill complex psychological concepts into understandable and applicable advice helped democratize psychology and contributed significantly to the personal development movement. Her writings and lectures remain a testament to her intellect, empathy, and enduring influence in the fields of psychology, self-help, and beyond.
Get Your Copy of Think & Grow Rich - FREE
just cover shipping!
Controversies
Despite her significant achievements and influence, Elsie Lincoln Benedict's career and methodologies were not without controversies. Her work, especially in the realm of human analysis and the law of attraction, sometimes attracted criticism from various quarters, including academics and contemporaries.
Critiques of Human Analysis
Benedict's human analysis, primarily her categorization of people into types based on appearance and personality traits, although popular, was met with skepticism by some peers and later psychologists. Critics argued that her methods oversimplified the complexities of human personality and behavior. They contended that such generalizations could lead to stereotyping and fail to account for the nuances and dynamics of individual psychology.
Law of Attraction and Scientific Skepticism
Benedict's promotion of the law of attraction also drew criticism. Skeptics challenged the scientific basis of this concept, arguing that it was more metaphysical than empirical and lacked rigorous scientific evidence. Critics pointed out that attributing success or failure solely to an individual's thoughts or attitudes, as the law of attraction suggests, oversimplifies the myriad of factors that shape a person's life and circumstances.
Mixed Reception in Academic Circles
While Benedict's work was widely popular among the general public, her reception in academic circles was mixed. Some academics critiqued her for not adhering strictly to the methodological and theoretical standards prevalent in psychology and anthropology. Her background and training in these fields were sometimes viewed as inadequate, and her interpretations and applications of psychological and anthropological concepts were occasionally seen as unconventional or overly simplistic.
Personal Life and Public Image
Controversies also arose around her personal life and the ways she marketed her teachings. Benedict's lifestyle, including her wealth and the manner in which she presented herself, sometimes raised eyebrows. Critics argued that her emphasis on material success and personal achievement, as demonstrated in her own life, could overshadow the deeper, more nuanced aspects of her teachings about personal growth and understanding.
Elsie Lincoln Benedict's contributions to psychology, self-help, and public speaking were groundbreaking, and her popularity testifies to the impact of her work. Nonetheless, the controversies surrounding her methods and ideas highlight the complex and often contentious nature of pioneering work in any field, particularly in areas intersecting with psychology, self-improvement, and public perception. These debates contribute to the dynamic discourse on the interpretation and application of psychological principles in everyday life and continue to evoke interest in the study of her life and work.
Legacy and Modern Relevance
Elsie Lincoln Benedict's legacy extends far beyond the controversies and criticisms of her era. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the fields of self-help, public speaking, and women's empowerment, resonating with modern audiences in various ways.
Pioneering Influence in Self-Help and Human Potential
Benedict was a forerunner in the self-help genre, paving the way for later giants in the field. Her approach to understanding personality types and using this knowledge for personal and professional development prefigured many modern personality assessments and development tools. Her books and lectures, rich with insights into human behavior and motivation, continue to be referenced and valued for their practical applicability.
Get Your Copy of Think & Grow Rich - FREE
just cover shipping!
Empowerment and Public Speaking
As one of the most influential public speakers of her time, particularly among women, Benedict broke significant ground. She not only championed women's rights and suffrage but also exemplified the power of women in leadership and intellectual fields. Her success as a speaker and educator remains an inspiring story for many women and men in the field of public speaking and beyond.
Continued Interest and Resurgence
There has been a resurgence of interest in Benedict's work, partly due to the ongoing popularity of self-help and personal development literature, and partly due to a broader societal interest in the history of the women's movement and early 20th-century thought leaders. This renewed interest is evidenced by the republishing of her works and the continued study and application of her ideas in various fields, including psychology, business, and personal coaching.
Modern Critiques and Reevaluation
Modern scholarship often revisits Benedict's theories and works, sometimes critiquing her methodologies and conclusions while also acknowledging her contributions to the early popular psychology movement. In an era increasingly focused on data-driven and evidence-based psychological practices, Benedict's work is often seen as the precursor to more nuanced and scientifically grounded approaches.
Influence on Contemporary Thought and Practice
Benedict's emphasis on the law of attraction, though controversial, has influenced many modern thinkers and writers in the field of personal development. The idea that thoughts and attitudes can significantly influence one's life trajectory continues to be a popular concept, evident in the success of books and programs focusing on positive thinking and personal manifestation.
Educational Contributions
The Elsie Lincoln Vandergrift Memorial Scholarship, established at the University of Denver, continues to support students showing promise in psychology, further testament to her enduring influence in the academic sphere. This scholarship ensures that her name remains associated not just with her public work but also with the ongoing advancement of psychological study.
Elsie Lincoln Benedict's work has found a new appreciation through Russell Brunson's new "Secrets of Success" Mastermind and community. Her courses and teachings are available inside the member's area, and Elsie Lincoln Benedict's book "How to Get Anything You Want" is even the focus of their "Secrets of Success Challenge" in November of 2023.
Elsie Lincoln Benedict's legacy is a complex tapestry of pioneering work, innovative ideas, and enduring influence. Her contributions to the self-help movement, women's empowerment, and public speaking have cemented her place as a significant figure in early 20th-century American history. Her life and work continue to be a subject of study and interest, highlighting the enduring relevance of her ideas and the impact she had on her contemporaries and on generations to come.
To learn more about Elsie Lincoln Benedict and some of her greatest contributions to the "New Thought" era, register for the (free) 3-day challenge below.