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Stay Alive All Your Life

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"Those who received help from The Power of Positive Thinking will find in these pages further guidance toward a more dynamic and creative life."

-- Norman Vincent Peale

In this dynamic guide to fruitful and joyous living, Dr. Peale shows in example after example, drawn from life, how the magic of attitude can perform miracles in your daily existence. He proves that only with deep and honest belief -- in yourself, your work, and in God -- can these miracles occur. He also makes clear that achievement of lasting fulfillment is an active process and shows you

How to put positive thinking into action

How to use the magnificent power of belief

How to learn from your mistakes

How enthusiasm can work wonders for you

How to attain self-confidence

How to live above pain and suffering

How to lift depression and live vitally

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

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About the author

Norman Vincent Peale

721 books1,346 followers
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) was a minister and author (most notably of The Power of Positive Thinking) and a progenitor of the theory of "positive thinking".

Peale was born in Bowersville, Ohio. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School, Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has earned degrees at Ohio Wesleyan University (where he became a brother of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta) and Boston University School of Theology.

Raised as a Methodist and ordained as a Methodist minister in 1922, Peale changed his religious affiliation to the Reformed Church in America in 1932 and began a 52-year tenure as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. During that time the church's membership grew from 600 to over 5000, and he became one of New York City's most famous preachers.

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5 stars
68 (44%)
4 stars
47 (30%)
3 stars
29 (18%)
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5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Paula.
417 reviews56 followers
May 28, 2017
The writing style is tedious
10 reviews
February 15, 2025
Inspiring - And From the 1950's!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I gained from this book, despite it being written many years ago! Dr. Peale offers practical advice on living, supported by familiar verses from the Bible. His timeless wisdom is still incredibly relevant today. Sometimes the 50’s broke through. For instance, Dr. Peale wrote, “There is a marked increase today in the number of joy-filled people. This is a result of the spiritual resurgence of our time.” This book is a precious gem from that era that resonates in our modern world. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and practical guidance for a fulfilling life. More people should read Dr. Peale today.
Profile Image for Michael David.
Author 3 books90 followers
October 19, 2017
If this book were a scientific paper, it would have failed at the onset because it usually only gives anecdotes as proof. There's no use reading this book as anything except as a tool for motivation. Peale's logic fails to make sense occasionally, but this book is a pat on one's back. It allows one the refocus on his life because the examples Peale cites are jarring to the reader.

His pseudo-scientific approach to psychology irritated me quite a bit, but I know this book meant well. It's an easy read, anyway.
Profile Image for Michael Ivanov.
Author 9 books103 followers
June 17, 2017
I heard a speech by Norman on YouTube that was recorded from a few years before his passing. A hilarious old man. Hearing his talk allowed me to read the book with the sound of his actual voice inside my head. He had so much life in him up to the last years of his life.

This man truly stayed alive ALL of his life and his enthusiasm is contagious. This book will light a fire under your ass for life like none other.
Profile Image for KC.
20 reviews
November 25, 2020
Lots of fluff. Flip through to the key takeaways at the end of each chapter and decide where you want to dig in. Heavily reliant on religion and anecdotes rather than more factual backing. Overall great points around enthusiasm and the power of your mindset and attitude towards feeling alive through your day to day life.
Profile Image for Trish Fisher.
38 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2023
I love this book. It’s poorly written - using run-on stories back to back with no breaks between them, but the spirit and power of the overall message pours out to the reader. At least it did for me, and the message I took away was a precious reminder of how incredibly rich and joyful is the life I’ve been given!
30 reviews
January 1, 2025
6.5/10, Very great writing on vitality and enthusiasm, I think that’s what has been most effective towards me in this book. Was a Christian book, but I thought I’d give it a chance because I’m set to read so many, and I’m glad I did. It was very inspiring, and the basic principles are all still applicable despite not being Christian.
Profile Image for Carla.
4 reviews
September 6, 2017
The author walks you through the spiritual laws which ensure successful living in its truest sense. This book was first published in 1957 but is truly a classic whose truths resonate for all time and every generation.
8 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2024
First book I really ever read on my own as an adult. Found it for a cheap price in a book store, used. Helped propel me on my journey of discovering Jesus. I don't think it's a Christian book though. However in my world it helped me get to Christianity one way or another
Profile Image for Brian.
645 reviews
March 17, 2025
This was a really good book that helps you shift focus from yourself. It causes you to think about others. It makes you see your problems through the lens of positivity and faith in God.

Highly recommended for those who need an uplift.
Profile Image for Michael Eklund.
314 reviews8 followers
April 7, 2025
A self-help book trying to make you believe in yourself and be more enthusiastic.

The examples seem sometimes a bit silly, but the encouragment to live well and be kind to others seems wise. If I just could remember them in ordinary life...
Profile Image for L.W. Edwards.
Author 3 books4 followers
January 15, 2020
Book for the soul

What a wonderful uplifting book to refresh and empower your life. Dr Peale takes me forward in Faith with every word.
Profile Image for Carol.
151 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2009
This is a good book to read if you are battling inertia and maybe a little depression thrown in for good measure. I guess left to my own devices, I tend to me a glass is half empty sort of person. I try to counter act that with a good positive "you can do it" book on occasion. As with most of the books of this genre that I read, the power of the conviction that you can overcome comes from faith in God and Jesus Christ. Alone, we probably would fail! This is an old book,first printed in 1957. Some of it seems dated (in style) even to an old dinosaur like me! But nothing can truly be dated that uses the Bible as it's point of reference. Other good books by Norman Vincent Peale include The Power of Positive Thinking and How To Win Friends and Influence People. Both would be considered classics in their realm. Spring and a good book do wonders!
4 reviews
November 12, 2014
A must read

A great book to get more positive in life and bring more happiness into your day today life. The book offers healthy inspirational techniques to live life more meaningfully.
7 reviews
August 4, 2009
Expands on The Power of Positive Thinking branching out into new arenas.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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