Increasing Personal Efficiency

by Russell H. Conwell

Although Samuel Smiles's "Self-Help" is the first and perhaps the best of the many inspirational books that have been written of late years, it is by far the most serviceable of all to any one who wishes and intends to stand squarely on his own feet and to fight his own battle of life from start to finish. That book is attractive because it is anecdotal of life and character, and because of the interest that all men feel in those who have achieved great things through their own labors, their trials, and their struggles. It abounds with references to men who were forced to be self-helpful, who were born lowly enough, but died among God's gentlemen, and often among the aristocracy of the land, through sheer force of character, labor, and determination. They have left their "footprints on the sands of time" mainly because they were self-reliant and self-helpful.

Genres: Self Help

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1917

About the author

Russell Herman Conwell was a Baptist minister, philanthropist, lawyer, and writer best remembered as the founder of Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and for his inspirational lecture, Acres of Diamonds.

Reviews

[Ashley Finfrock · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first chapter I give 5 stars. The rest of it is rather underwhelming.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get it!!! This needs to be in my library.

This is an awesome read. It speaks to the writer’s belief in the higher aspirations of man and woman. I think, to the soul’s innate ability for spirit...of light...before being taught other aspects.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elements of the first chapter were surprisingly progressive for its age. The rest of the book was a hodge-podge of aphorisms and advice that is so generic in nature (and male-oriented) it is fairly useless.

[Savannah Ponder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent

The book is outdated in some regards; however, there are lines of advice which are still relevant today. Manner of writing is dry but factual and to the point.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would really have loved to read this book 10 - 15 years ago. Timeless advice to young men that is still relevant today

[Vansh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advice is excellent excepting first half of the first chapter.

[Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Increasing Personal Efficiency is a book about how one can consistently improve their lives with good habits. Russell Conwell explains that you can always get over your limitations and rise to the challenge.