“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill would have to be the most referenced and most quoted success book written. It is still the basis for the theories and content of success publications even today, including the movie “The Secret”.
But, how many of us have actually taken the time to get past the first few chapters to read the entire book? We just did and, and we found that it is brimming with information.
We were surprised at just how much advice it contains for all aspects of life (not just success); for example, relationships, job interviews, gaining confidence and overcoming fear etc.
Napoleon Hill was born in 1883 in Wise County, Virginia. Over a 20 year period Napoleon Hill interviewed over 500 people, including such successful people as Rockefeller, Thomas Edison, three US presidents and Ford. From his research he discovered a 13-step process towards riches and documented them in “Think and Grow Rich”. He passed away in November 1970 after fulfilling his destiny to become a successful writer, teacher and lecturer.
The first chapter of “Think and Grow Rich“ explains how our thoughts are “powerful things” to harness; especially when mixed with definiteness of purpose, persistence and a burning desire to translate them materially. This is the basis of the book and also of the movie “The Secret“.
The 13 Steps Towards Riches
The next 13 chapters explain the 13 steps
- Desire - the starting point of all achievement
- Faith - visualization of, and belief in attainment of desire
- Autosuggestion - the medium for influencing the subconscious mind
- Specialized Knowledge – personal experiences or observations
- Imagination - the workshop of the mind
- Organized Planning – the crystallization of desire into action
- Decision - the mastery of procrastination
- Persistence - the sustained effort necessary to induce faith
- The Power Of The Mastermind – the driving force
- The Mystery Of Sex Transmutation – a good marriage relationship
- The Subconscious Mind – the connecting link
- The Brain - a broadcasting and receiving station for thought
- The Sixth Sense – the door to the temple of wisdom
The 6 Ghosts Of Fear
The final chapter deals with casting out the 6 ghosts of fear which may remain hidden in our subconscious. These are:
- The fear of poverty
- The fear of criticism
- The fear of ill health
- The fear of loss of love of someone
- The fear of old age
- The fear of death
The idea is that fear is just a state of mind and that we can control with our thoughts. In life our thoughts are the only thing we will ever have absolute control over.
Conclusion
A lot of marketers and success experts often say that Napoleon Hill died poor and effectively failed “to become rich”. But they miss the point — he did succeed in his 20 year intention to write the definitive book on success (“Think and Grow Rich” is still a bestseller) and has helped millions. Even in death he continues to help people with his legacy and through the Napoleon Hill foundation.
Well worth a daily chapter a day re-read.
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About Danny Sheehan
Danny lives in Hong Kong but is originally from Australia. He is Married to Maggie and together they have two children with whom they enjoy sharing and enjoying an exciting life with daily. Danny's passions are freedom, adventure and discovery, mainly in nature and science but also spiritually. He is a great believer in living in the NOW.
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