At the time of Napoleon Hill’s death in 1970, Think and Grow Rich had already sold over 20 million copies. Today, that figure has exceeded 100 million books sold. Why is this 1937 self-help book—designed to help others achieve success—so wildly popular? Simply because it works. Some of the most influential and powerful people in the world have at least one copy of Think and Grow Rich in their libraries. And the book continues to inspire individuals from all walks of life to achieve success and realize their dreams.
“Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” – Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill’s Own Inspiration for Think and Grow Rich
Growing up in rural Virginia, Hill’s early life was rather humble. But by age 13, he was already writing as a reporter for his father’s newspaper. Though he would take a few detours into business ventures along the way, Hill eventually returned to his first love. And it was this pursuit that likely fueled his own desires to achieve success.
A pivotal moment for Hill came when he was interviewing Andrew Carnegie in 1908. Arguably one of the most powerful men in the world at the time, Carnegie encouraged Hill to interview as many successful people as possible to identify the essential steps to achieve success. These interviews would form the basis of Hill’s philosophy of personal achievement outlined in Think and Grow Rich.
“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.” – Napoleon Hill
13 Steps to Riches – Hill’s Secrets to Achieve Success in Life
In Think and Grow Rich, Hill identifies 13 sequential steps in one’s effort to achieve success. Notably, the first step that Hill identifies is that of desire. Desire is essential to achieve success, followed by faith, self-motivation, specialized knowledge, and imagination. Hill then lists organized planning, decision-making skills, persistence, and several steps to effectively guide mental power to achieve success. Through these steps detailed in Think and Grow Rich, millions have been inspired to make bold changes in their lives.
Among these 13 steps, Hill also highlights a number of best practices. Within Think and Grow Rich, he notes that a positive mental outlook is essential, as are positive relationships. Likewise, Hill recognizes the importance of good physical health. Other key attributes of those who achieve success include passion, open-mindedness, self-discipline, and a willingness to share. As you move through each of the 13 steps in Think and Grow Rich, these qualities become readily apparent. And interestingly, they are the same qualities that encourage each of us to live our boldest lives possible.
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” – Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich – 500 Interviews and Counting
The original release of Think and Grow Rich was in 1937, which was incidentally in the wake of the Great Depression. The book was an organized reflection of material Hill had collected in over 500 interviews over many years. In fact, in addition to Carnegie, Hill interviewed Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Each revealed their secrets to achieve success. These insights form the basis upon which Hill’s philosophy of empowerment is based.
The current re-release of Think and Grow Rich is scheduled for May 14th, 2019. While the new edition will have all of the original content of the 1937 book, it will also include some additional bonuses. These include other short works of Hill, like “Let Ambition Be Your Master.” It also contains Hill’s “What I Have Learned From Analyzing Ten Thousand People.” These additional texts are certain to enhance the inspirational message already present in prior editions of Think and Grow Rich.
A Bold Message for Every Generation
Given the enduring impact Think and Grow Rich has had, its message can be appreciated as both bold and timeless. Countless people have embraced Hill’s 13 steps to achieve success, including Bill Gates, Mary Kay Ash, and others. Thus, Think and Grow Rich will likely foster ongoing generations of exceptional individuals who want to achieve success. If you’re ready to be inspired, then you’ll likewise want to secure your copy of this truly exceptional book.
