Think and Grow Rich: The Original Classic

I first became aware of this book whilst listening to the audio-book of 'Millionaire Upgrade' by Richard Parkes Cordock. I was reluctant to purchase it however because of the poor reviews of the paperback version, which claimed that the text was of poor quality, amongst other things. The first thing I will state is that this book is of the finest quality, you need not worry about its tangible condition, or indeed the quality of the information itself. The book contains an introduction by Tom Butler-Bowden (whose book 50 Self-Help Classics I intend to buy), which was very helpful, and it also contains the original text of 'Think And Grow Rich', which went out of copyright. It is pointed out that Napoleon Hill produced a revised, copyrighted edition, in 1960, however 'it is an abridgement which cuts out some of the interesting details in the original...' As for the book itself and its content, I believe it to be the most important book I have ever read. I've read a few self-help books but none have touched me in the way that this has. As a Graduate, currently working in a minimum wage job, I feel like my life has lost its direction a bit and that I've been wandering aimlessly, but after reading the principles, in 'Think And Grow Rich', I believe that I can go now get my life back on track and I can make some positive plans for the future. This won't happen overnight nor after reading the book only once, it will require daily application and persistence, and I suspect that my copy of 'Think And Grow Rich' will some become dog-eared from repetitive use! It's going to become my new handbook to living. Having read other self-help books, I was already familiar with some of the principles, such as 'persistence' however there was quite alot of new material in 'Think And Grow Rich' which I was previously unfamiliar with. The Chapter on 'The Mystery of Sex Transmutation' was particularly interesting, as were the Chapters on 'Auto-Suggestion' and 'How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear.' The Author is clearly qualified having spent over 20 years of his life researching successful people and his work is endorsed by many distinguished figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison and many many others. One thing I found particularly interesting about the book, is that it was written at a time or not longer after, the Great Depression caused by the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Considering the recession we currently face, the book provides alot of hope: 'The "depression" was a blessing in disguise. It reduced the whole world to a new starting point that gives every one a new opportunity.' It is cited as the Greatest Motivational Book of all time, on the back cover, and I would have to agree that it is certainly the most motivational I have ever read. The author's enthusiasm leaps out of the pages and you can't help but be inspired. The book requires alot of self-analysis and asks many probing questions, which really makes you think. I've read the book from cover to cover to get a feel for it but it's one I will be returning to again and again and studying in-depth. I shall conclude my review as the Ralston Society conclude the book: 'No matter whether you are rich or poor-you have one asset as great as the richest man living-and that is time. But with each setting sun you become one day older; and have one day less in which to attain the success and wealth you desire....' Why wait any longer? The investment of money in this book is well worth it, but remember that you also have to invest much time and committment, in applying the principles to your life as well.

Mind blowing book !

This is one of the greatest books that I have ever read. It should be understood that this book is a manifestation of the great and unequalled spirit of the unique nation that is America. Those of us in other parts of the world can learn much from it, but in essence this book is an account of the values of the capitialist system of America. And what's more, this book describes things about that capitalist system which may come as a surprise, such as exposing the vice of many of its practitioners, and emphasising the huge importance of romance and love to a person's life. Many people will come to a book like this seeking quick paths to riches. But, although this book greatly values the accumulation of material riches it councils wisely and sternly against the negative aspects associated with such activity. It refers to (but does not name) a long list of well-known capitalists motivated by greed and by negative, cynical thinking. As an example of the power of capitalism, the author describes the 20 dime breakfast in America, which comprises ingredients from many distant locations. This is an analogy for how all the amazing things, such as advanced computer technology, that have become affordable for so many people, have been made possible by capitalism. In this important sense capitalism is seen in a very positive light. And, moreover, on p210 he states that there is nothing to stop anyone from engaging in a portion of this overall effort of capitalism, through their own efforts in gaining knowledge and skills, marketing themselves, and making contacts, and establishing good business relationships. Although this is essentially a more right-wing philosophy, the author does see two sides of the equation of worker relations, for example on p93 he refers to the 'machine age' where companies have driven men as though they were 'pieces of cold machinery'. But, he explains, they were forced to do this because the workers were constantly demanding rights to 'get' things without first being willing to 'give'. And, the book is not prudish - on p190 it admits that temporary dishonesty by force of circumstances may be unavoidable (but being dishonest by choice will ultimately lead to disaster). A surprising aspect of the book is the great importance attached to romance, love, and sex, and a whole chapter is devoted to this area. It compares trying to attract wealth with wooing the fair maiden. It describes riches as 'shy amd timid', and which must be 'attracted'. It places huge value on the influence of women, stating that 'man's greatest motivating force is his desire to please woman' (p290). It asserts that 'memories of love never pass' and that 'love leaves enduring traces upon the human heart' (p287). It also tells us we must master the fear of loss of love (p355) by learning to live without it, if that is necessary. On p264 it says the sex desire cannot and should not be submerged or eliminated, and on p265 it states that 'sex alteration' takes out of the male, whether man or beast, all the fight that is within him. He describes how King Edward VIII's decision to abdicate was the right one as he did it for his love of Wallis Simpson - they received much criticism, but found life's greatest treasure, love. It describes also the negative and destructive attitudes towards sex, eg (p280) 'sex is grossly slandered by the ignorant and evil-minded', (p281) 'every other animal indulges sex in moderation when in season, whereas man declares open season with debauchery etc', and (p285) 'emotions, like chemistry, may be combined in a way to create deadly poison'. The book is very positive towards older people - in numerous places it states that man's greatest achievements occur in the age range 40-60 (eg p283). On p349 he describes this age range as the 'Age Of Wisdom and Understanding'. One can scarcely imagine a greater contrast to the negative view of ageing that is common throughout western society today. So what is this great philosophy that this book expounds, and that allows real and great success to be achieved in this world? Well I can give some excerpts of it - as the author states, this is a book meriting further study after a first reading, to allow the concepts to be digested, and I certainly cannot claim I understand everything at this point. The book states there is an Infinite Intelligence with which we can communicate via our subconscious mind. We can control what we feed our subconscious mind, either positive or negative thoughts. We can tap into the wisdom of the Infinite Intelligence by feeding only positive thoughts, and consciously blocking negative thinking. This echoes Proverbs 23:7, which asserts that : 'as a man thinketh, so he is'. It is also important the thoughts we communicate to our subconsious have emotional feeling, ie not just cold reason. There is another capacity within us - the Creative Imagination. This is a direct connection to the Infinite Intelligence, through which we can receive original ideas, and inspiration, and great insights. (Some may call this Infinite Intelligence 'God'. Though this book praises Christian values, it does not focus on a religious aspect primarily, as the author wants it to appeal to people of all persuasions). Nature is made up of matter and energy - our thinking is energy, the material world we live is matter. As Einstein said in his famous equation (E=mc2), these two things are intimately connected, and one can be converted into the other. In other words what we think can greatly influence the material world, and thus our lives. The book describes throughout qualities in people which will allow them to best develop their lives. Primarily amongst these (and whole chapters are dedicated to these) are Faith, Persistence and Decisiveness. There is huge importance placed on 'Definiteness of Purpose' - it is one of the central tenets of the whole philosophy of this book. A very insightful observation is made on p213 :- Successful people make decisions promptly, and change their decisions slowly Unsuccessful people make decisions slowly, but change them quickly and often It councils against : talking a lot, lack of ambition to be, to do, and to own, thinking of getting rather than giving, fearing criticism, fearing failure. It states the huge importance of 'knowing thyself', for only then can we be true to others (eg p244). Towards the end of the book there is an extensive discussion of the great fears and evils which afflict us, including extensive self-analysis questions. For most people these will be a wake up call. It councils against fears (eg of poverty, failure, old age, loss of love), over-caution, lack of self-confidence, lack of courage, jealousy, egotism, and vanity. The Great Evil is stated as this : 'susceptibility to negative influences'. It says (p359) 'keep your mind closed against all people who depress or discourage you in any way'. And on p359 it says 'deliberately seek out the company of people who influence you to think and act for yourself'. Such is the fervour against the influence of negative people, the book makes this remarkable statement (p365) :- 'there is no legal protection against those who poison the mind of others by negative suggestion. This form of destruction should be punishable by heavy legal penalties, because it may destroy one's chances of acquiring material things which are protected by law'. In a similar spirit on p340 it states :- 'it should be recognised as a crime (of the worst nature) for any parent to build inferiority complexes in the mind of a child, through unnecessary criticism'. (I would add that its not just a parent who can do this to a child). The book contains much practical advice on how to apply for the position that you desire at the company you wish to work for. It describes the preparation of a 'brief' (similar to a CV - remember this book was written in 1937), which contains a detailed description of one's life, career, education, personal references, and personal statement. The care with which this document should be prepared is illustrated with the advice on p171 that 'your brief should be prepared as carefully as a lawyer would prepare the brief of a case to be tried in court'. Not only should one provide a great service to an employer, but the spirit in which this service is rendered is of great importance also (p181-183). The value of an uncompromising attitude is underlined with the statement (p133) 'I believe that close association with one who refuses to compromise with circumstances he does not like, is an asset that can never be measured in terms of money'. Contrary to what we often hear as career advice, Hill tells us NOT to attempt to 'start at the bottom' of a company. Work at such a level can breed a negative and unambitious outlook. The effort of preparing a good brief, and aiming higher will save many wasted years of working at the lower levels. I know this from my own personal experience as I have worked both at very low levels, and also in much better positions, and there is a complete difference in thinking between the two. Many negative attitudes can be fostered and become ingrained over time at the lower levels. Overall this book is true rock star material - it is the engine room of America, economically, ethically, and spiritually.

I finally read Think and Grow Rich and now I get why this book has stood the test of time and been talked about so much! It’s definitely got some outdated language and old-school phrasing (I mean, it was written in the 1930s so to be expected lol), but if you can look past that, the core message is actually timeless. This book isn’t really about “getting rich” in the flashy, overnight success kind of way like you see so many people talking about these days. It’s about mindset, belief, vision, persistence, and the power of your thoughts. This is like a pep talk in book form. It makes you stop and really think about how much your beliefs are shaping your reality. The idea that “thoughts become things” isn’t new to me, but the way it’s laid out here hits different. It’s like it gives structure to what so many of us already feel deep down! The stories and examples can be a little outdated, sure, but the principles are still golden. It reminded me to stop playing small, get clear on my goals, and act like it’s already done. It’s the kind of book you could re-read every year and get something new from it each time, depending on where you are in life or business. If you're someone chasing big goals - whether it’s money, freedom, confidence, or just a new way of thinking - this book is 100% worth your time. It’s not a quick-fix how-to guide, but a mindset reset that genuinely makes you reflect and re-align. I'm so glad I finally picked it up. One of those “read it once and feel forever changed” kind of books. This one will be staying in my library!

Those who have read one or more of the volumes that comprise Tom Butler-Bowdon's "50 Classics" series already know that he possesses superior reasoning and writing skills as well as a relentless curiosity when conducting research on history's greatest thinkers and their major works. For these and other reasons, I cannot think of another person better qualified to provide the introductions to the volumes that comprise a new series, "Capstone Classics." Think and Grow Rich was based on two decades of research conducted by Napoleon Hill (concluded in 1928) after being retained by Andrew Carnegie to complete an analysis of 500 of the most successful people in the United States and elsewhere. The title of his original report, "Laws of Success," consisted of 1,500 pages in a series of seven volumes, in which Hill lists and discusses 17 "principles of achievement." It is worth noting that this volume in the "Capstone Classics" series also contains both the "Publisher's Preface to Original Edition" and the "Author's Introduction to the Original Edition" (published in 1937) and a list of those interviewed by Napoleon Hill over a 20-year period. Unlike so many others, Butler-Bowdon provides more, much more than a flimsy "briefing" to the given work. For this volume, he creates a context, a frame-of-reference, for Napoleon Hill's insights in a 16-page introduction in which he addresses subjects, themes, and issues such as these: o A brief but remarkably insightful review of pertinent details in Hill's circumstances when retained by Carnegie o His magazine ventures, notably Hill's Golden Rule and Napoleon Hill's Magazine o Hill's DRAFT of a book, The 13 Steps to Riches, based on material introduced in "Laws of Success" o Original title of DRAFT was changed to Use Your Noodle to Win More Boodle and then, final, to Think and Grow Rich o Hill's "four clear elements of success" (i.e. desire, faith, plans, and persistence) o The moral and spiritual foundation of Think and Grow Rich o 31 reasons why people fail o The self-defeating aspects of personality that many (most?) people do not recognize So what is "The "Supreme Secret" of success revealed by Hill in a later work, Grow Rich with Peace of Mind, published in 1967, three years before his death? "Anything the human mind can believe, the human mind can achieve." Although it may now be fashionable to dismiss (often with ridicule) all such aphorisms, the fact remains that every success in life does indeed require an idea, an insight, that someone then makes a reality. Thomas Edison was right: "Vision without execution is hallucination" but execution without purpose is merely effort without value. As Butler-Bowdon suggests, "Hill was saying that there were [begin italics] no limits [end italics] to what a person can do [unless self-imposed], and history has proved it so thousands of times with the stories of any remarkable person." As indicated earlier, Tom Butler-Bowdon's purpose in this introduction is to create a context, a frame-of-reference, for Hill's insights. He does so brilliantly in this instance and in each of the other volumes in the Capstone Classics series that have been published thus far.

The ideas in the book do have some merit to them but it’s disturbingly repetitive, same things are mentioned over and over again. The author could have given the reader the exact same value with a book that’s half as thick.

The book arrived earlier than promised. The quality and the binding are excellent and the pink color, OMG this is so amazing. The print is just a little too small for my aging eyes but that will be solved with reading glasses and I prefer the printed book to the electronic version. Nothing more to add about the book content. It is simply a classic and should be taught in each school. I have read it several years ago and wanted to have a paper format

Not just about money — this book teaches powerful success principles like focus, belief, and persistence. Simple ideas but very impactful if you apply them. A bit old-fashioned writing, but the lessons are timeless. Worth reading for anyone who wants to grow in life.

Think and Grow Rich is a transformative masterpiece that reshaped my approach to success. Napoleon Hill’s 13-step program, distilled from interviews with America’s most successful figures, is as relevant today as it was in 1937. The book’s core idea—that thoughts, fueled by desire, faith, and persistence, can manifest tangible results—ignited a shift in my mindset. Hill’s emphasis on definiteness of purpose and the power of the subconscious mind inspired me to set clearer goals and pursue them relentlessly. His insights on overcoming fear and building a “mastermind” group of supportive allies are practical and actionable, making this more than just motivational rhetoric. The engaging anecdotes, like those of Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford, bring the principles to life, while Tom Butler-Bowdon’s introduction adds valuable context. Whether I’m planning a career move or tackling personal challenges, this book’s wisdom guides me. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking wealth, purpose, or personal growth—truly exceptional!