Wayne W. Dyer was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 10, 1940. His father left the family when Dyer was a toddler, and his mother placed him in foster care until he was about 10. After serving four years in the Navy, he received a bachelor's degree in history and philosophy, a master's degree in psychology, and a Ph.D. in counseling from Wayne State University. He worked as a high school guidance counselor and a psychologist before becoming a motivational speaker and writer. His first book, Your Erroneous Zones: Step-by-Step Advice for Escaping the Trap of Negative Thinking and Taking Control of Your Life, was published in 1976. During his lifetime, he wrote more than 30 books including… Manifest Your Destiny: Nine Spiritual Principles for Getting Everything You Want, Wisdom of the Ages, There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace, The Power of Intention, Stop the Excuses!: How to Change Lifelong Thoughts, Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life, Excuses Begone, Wishes Fulfilled, and I Can See Clearly Now. He died of a heart attack on August 29, 2015 at the age of 75.