Wayne W. Dyer was an internationally renowned author and speaker in the fields of self-development and spiritual growth. Spanning over four decades, he wrote more than 40 books, including 21 New York Times bestsellers, as well as creating many audio and video programs, and appearing on thousands of television and radio shows.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Dyer held a doctorate in educational counseling from Wayne State University and had served as an associate professor at St. John’s University in New York. Through his early work in college-level teaching and clinical psychology, he discovered a widespread need for the principles of self-discovery and personal growth, and sought to bring these ideas to a wider audience.

After publishing a string of best-selling books on the practical psychology of self-improvement, Dyer felt a shift occur in his thinking that led him to explore the spiritual aspects of human experience. “My purpose is to help people look at themselves and begin to shift their concepts,” he said. “Remember, we are not our country, our race, or religion. We are eternal spirits. Seeing ourselves as spiritual beings without label is a way to transform the world and reach a sacred place for all of humanity.”

Dyer was affectionately called the “father of motivation” by his fans. Despite a childhood spent in orphanages and foster homes, he overcame many obstacles to make his dreams come true and spent much of his life showing others how to do the same.

His main message was that every person has the potential to live an extraordinary life.