Think and Grow Rich

Think and grow rich original cover

Think and Grow Rich is a personal development and self-help book written by Napoleon Hill and published in 1937. It is often cited as one of the best-selling books of all time. The book asserts that desire, faith, and persistence can propel one to great heights if one can suppress negative thoughts and focus on long-term goals.

Overview

The core philosophy of Think and Grow Rich is based on Hill's earlier work, The Law of Success, in which he explores the principles of personal achievement, the psychology of success, and the strategies used by individuals considered to be highly successful. Think and Grow Rich condenses these theories into thirteen principles for personal achievement. It is said that Hill was inspired by a suggestion from business magnate Andrew Carnegie, which led him to study the strategies of more than five hundred successful individuals.

Principles

The thirteen principles outlined in Think and Grow Rich are:

1. Desire: The starting point of all achievement
2. Faith: Visualization and belief in the attainment of desire
3. Autosuggestion: The medium for influencing the subconscious mind
4. Specialized Knowledge: Personal experiences or observations
5. Imagination: The workshop of the mind
6. Organized Planning: The crystallization of desire into action
7. Decision: The mastery of procrastination
8. Persistence: The sustained effort necessary to induce faith
9. Power of the Master Mind: The driving force
10. The Mystery of Sex Transmutation
11. The Subconscious Mind: The connecting link
12. The Brain: A broadcasting and receiving station for thought
13. The Sixth Sense: The door to the temple of wisdom

Reception

Since its publication, Think and Grow Rich has sold millions of copies worldwide and remains a popular book for those interested in achieving personal success. Its principles have been praised for their practicality and applicability in various aspects of life, including business, personal finance, and self-improvement. However, some critics argue that the book oversimplifies complex psychological concepts and relies too heavily on anecdotal evidence.

Legacy

Think and Grow Rich has influenced countless individuals and has been referenced in various other self-help and personal development literature. Its principles have been adapted into seminars, workshops, and courses around the world. The book's enduring popularity underscores its status as a seminal work in the self-help genre.

See Also

• The Law of Success
• Personal development
• Self-help
• Success