A Century of Understanding Consciousness
The deepest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives."
—William James
For over 100 years, the Prince family has explored consciousness, healing, and human potential. Today, the Gruben Charitable Foundation transforms that inherited wisdom into action.
Morton Prince, (1854 – 1929) Painting by John Singer Sargent
The Pioneer: Morton Prince (1854-1929)
When medicine only treated symptoms, Morton Prince discovered how the mind directly affects physical health. This Boston neurologist founded the Journal of Abnormal Psychology in 1906 and established Harvard's Psychological Clinic.
His breakthrough came from watching his wife and mother struggle with depression and anxiety that no physical treatment could cure. He championed therapeutic suggestion and explored unconscious processes—ideas that were decades ahead of their time.
Charles Sanders Peirce 1839 – 1914
The Philosopher: Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914)
Morton's work connected with another family member—Charles Sanders Peirce, one of America's greatest philosophers. Peirce developed groundbreaking theories about how we perceive and interpret reality, laying the foundation for understanding how consciousness shapes our world.
The Network: William James
Morton collaborated closely with William James, the father of American psychology and a dear friend of Charles Sanders Peirce. This remarkable network—connected by family ties and deep friendship—devoted their lives to understanding consciousness, reality, and human potential.
James explored religious experience and practical applications of consciousness studies. Morton bridged these philosophical insights with clinical practice, proving how consciousness affects physical health.
Frederick Henry Prince, (1859-1953)
The Philanthropist: Frederick Henry Prince (1859-1953)
Frederick built his fortune through innovation—founding a successful brokerage firm, investing early in railroads, and developing the world's first planned urban industrial park. But his true passion was giving back.
Frederick and his wife Abbie became devoted Newport residents, living at The Marble House until his death in 1953. His interest in spirituality and health reflected the family's deep commitment to consciousness and well-being.
“I walked toward Gruben in the early morning, then did letters, and errands in the village.” —Jiddu Krishnamurti, Indian philosopher, speaker, writer, and spiritual figure.
The Sanctuary: Gruben
The foundation's name honors Gruben, the Swiss valley where Diana experienced her spiritual awakening and where her grandmother's farm still stands. This sanctuary near Gstaad has long inspired writers, thinkers, and philosophers.
Among them was Jiddu Krishnamurti, who visited the Saanen-Gstaad valley annually for 25 years. His daily notes capture Gruben's influence: "I walked toward Gruben in the early morning, then did letters, and errands in the village."
From Consciousness to Community
Diana's vision for the Gruben Charitable Foundation represents the natural evolution of this family tradition—channeling both inherited resources and generations of wisdom into philanthropy that recognizes inner transformation as the foundation for all meaningful change.
When Diana witnessed people in Newport transform from addiction and trauma to serving their communities, she understood what her ancestors discovered through research: healing happens from the inside out.