Think and Grow Rich

Originally published in 1937, Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich is widely acknowledged as a foundational text in the field of self-help literature. The book mainly revolves around the themes of The Mystical Power of Positive Thinking, Setting Goals and Persistence, and Desire and Motivation in Personal and Financial Growth. Through anecdotes and practical strategies that Hill claims came from his intimate knowledge of business luminaries such as Andrew Carnegie, Hill promises to catalyze personal transformation and help individuals on their path to success. The book purports to offer a blueprint for individuals to cultivate a mindset of abundance, perseverance, and determination on their journey towards fulfillment and prosperity.

Since the book’s publication, scholars have cast serious doubt on most of Hill’s claims; there is little evidence that he ever encountered Andrew Carnegie or that he interviewed other famous figures as he claimed (his explanation for the lack of evidence is that all of his documentation was burned in a fire). It also does not appear to be the case that Hill was ever a lawyer. He was, however, charged by the FTC of laundering money through a magazine and a philanthropic organization he had started.

This guide refers to the 2005 Penguin Edition, which has been updated by self-help author Arthur R. Pell.

Summary

Think and Grow Rich is a seminal self-help book that explores the principles of success through positive thinking, goal setting, and the power of desire.

In his Preface, author Napoleon Hill provides insights into the genesis and relevance of the book. Hill introduces what he calls the groundbreaking secret to wealth and success, passed down to him by Andrew Carnegie, emphasizing its practical application and historical significance. He recounts personal anecdotes and showcases the success stories of individuals who have applied this formula. Adding to the Preface in the current edition, Arthur Pell reflects on Hill’s journey from poverty to success, detailing the book’s impact during the Depression era. He underscores the timeless nature of the principles outlined in the book, highlighting its adaptability to contemporary contexts and its potential to transform lives by promoting a mindset of positivity, goal-setting, and persistence.

In Part 1, Hill examines the fundamental principles underlying success and wealth accumulation. Through a series of anecdotes and real-life examples, Hill emphasizes the pivotal role of thoughts, desires, persistence, faith, and auto-suggestion in achieving one’s goals. Each chapter builds upon the preceding one, gradually providing a roadmap for personal and financial success. Chapter 1 explores the power of thought and persistence, showcasing individuals like Edwin C. Barnes and R. U. Darby, who achieved remarkable success through determination. The next chapter highlights the importance of desire as the starting point for all achievements, outlining practical steps for transmuting desire into tangible outcomes. Hill illustrates this with anecdotes from historical figures and personal experiences, reinforcing the theme of Setting Goals and Persistence. The following chapter examines the significance of faith and visualization in manifesting desires, highlighting the power of belief in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Finally, the last chapter of Part 1 introduces the concept of auto-suggestion as a potent tool for influencing the subconscious mind, offering practical strategies for harnessing its power to attract wealth and success.

In Part 2, Hill presents strategies for achieving success and accumulating wealth. Through chapters focused on specialized knowledge, imagination, organized planning, and decision-making, Hill elucidates the importance of practical application, perseverance, and strategic thinking in realizing one’s goals. He emphasizes the need for individuals to possess specialized knowledge relevant to their endeavors, highlighting the distinction between general education and practical expertise. Furthermore, Hill refers to the power of imagination as a catalyst for innovation and creative problem-solving, and urges readers to harness their imaginative faculties to visualize and manifest their desires. Additionally, Hill delves into the significance of organized planning and effective leadership in translating aspirations into actionable strategies, and advocates for collaboration and adaptability in handling challenges. Finally, Hill underscores the critical role of decision-making in driving progress and overcoming obstacles by citing historical examples to urge readers to embrace courage, resilience, and decisive action.

In Part 3, Hill explores the psychological and interpersonal aspects crucial for achieving success and accumulating wealth. Through chapters focused on persistence, the power of shared vision, redirecting one’s sex drive, and the subconscious mind, Hill explores the inner workings of the human mind and its role in shaping individual outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals, citing real-life examples of successful individuals who persisted despite adversity. Additionally, Hill discusses the concept of the Master Mind, highlighting the collective power of coordinated effort and shared vision in attaining wealth and success. He explores the idea of sex transmutation, explaining how redirecting sexual energy towards constructive pursuits can lead to increased creativity and productivity. Furthermore, Hill refers to the potential of the subconscious mind, detailing methods for communicating desires effectively and harnessing creative power of the subconscious. By incorporating anecdotes, expert opinions, and scientific evidence, Hill posits that these prevailing psychological theories of his time underlie personal and financial success.

In Part 4, Hill explores the psychological barriers that impede success. Through chapters focused on the brain as a broadcasting and receiving station, the concept of extrasensory perception, overcoming fear, and susceptibility to negative influences, Hill delves into the subconscious and its influence. He discusses the brain’s ability to emit and receive so-called thought vibrations, highlighting the role of emotions and sex transmutation in enhancing receptivity to external influences. Additionally, Hill introduces the Sixth Sense as a conduit for receiving guidance from Infinite Intelligence, emphasizing its practical application in decision-making and character development. He addresses six pervasive fears that hinder personal growth and outlines strategies for overcoming them, as he urges readers to cultivate positive attitudes and resilience, reiterating the theme The Mystical Power of Positive Thinking. Furthermore, Hill warns against the detrimental effects of susceptibility to negative influences, and emphasizes the importance of self-analysis and willpower in resisting external pressures.