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An Iron Will
An Iron Will by Orison Swett Marden In respect to mere mundane relations, the development and discipline of one's will-power is of supreme moment in relation to success in life. No man can ever estimate the power of will. It is a part of the divine nature, all of a piece with the power of creation. We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection. Many of the books in our collection have been out of print for decades, and therefore have not been accessible to the general public. The aim of our publishing program is to facilitate rapid access to this vast reservoir of literature, and our view is that this is a significant literary work, which deserves to be brought back into print after many decades. The contents of the vast majority of titles in the Classic Library have been scanned from the original works. To ensure a high quality product, each title has been meticulously hand curated by our staff. Our philosophy has been guided by a desire to provide the reader with a book that is as close as possible to ownership of the original work. We hope that you will enjoy this wonderful classic work, and that for you it becomes an enriching experience.
122 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1901
147 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Orison Swett Marden
1,665 books174 followersOrison Swett Marden (1850-1924) was an American writer associated with the New Thought Movement. He also held a degree in medicine, and was a successful hotel owner.
Marden was born in Thornton Gore, New Hampshire to Lewis and Martha Marden. When he was three years old, his mother died at the age of 22, leaving Orison and his two sisters in the care of their father, a farmer, hunter, and trapper. When Orison was seven years old, his father died from injuries incurred while in the woods, and the children were shuttled from one guardian to another, with Orison working as a "hired boy" to earn his keep. Inspired by an early self-help book by the Scottish author Samuel Smiles, which he found in an attic, Marden set out to improve himself and his life circumstances. He persevered in advancing himself and graduated from Boston University in 1871. He later graduated from Harvard with an M.D. in 1881 and an LL.B. degree in 1882. He also studied at the Boston School of Oratory and Andover Theological Seminary.
Marden was born in Thornton Gore, New Hampshire to Lewis and Martha Marden. When he was three years old, his mother died at the age of 22, leaving Orison and his two sisters in the care of their father, a farmer, hunter, and trapper. When Orison was seven years old, his father died from injuries incurred while in the woods, and the children were shuttled from one guardian to another, with Orison working as a "hired boy" to earn his keep. Inspired by an early self-help book by the Scottish author Samuel Smiles, which he found in an attic, Marden set out to improve himself and his life circumstances. He persevered in advancing himself and graduated from Boston University in 1871. He later graduated from Harvard with an M.D. in 1881 and an LL.B. degree in 1882. He also studied at the Boston School of Oratory and Andover Theological Seminary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 20, 2018
Okay guys, this one book excerpt is all you really need to know about life:
“When Henry Ward Beecher was asked how it was he could accomplish so much more than others, he replied:
‘I don’t do more, but less then other people. They do all their work 3 times over: once in anticipation, once in actuality, and once in renumeration. I do mine in actuality alone.”
More crumbs from this delicious cake:
------------------------------
"Focus all the scattered rays of the mind on one place."
"Many a man would have been a success had he concentrated his efforts."
"Continuity of purpose alone achieves results."
"To stick to something until you are a master is a test of intellectual discipline and will power."
"If I were 20 and had about 10 years to live, I would spend the first 9 years accumulating knowledge and getting ready for the 10th."
"There is always room for a man of force."
“The king is a man who can.” - Carlyle
"One talent with a will behind him will accomplish more than 10 without it."
"Will is the spinal column of personality."
"When they fashioned their hopes on fixed purposes, aid came unsought to help them on their way."
"A man without self-reliance and iron will is the play-thing of chance."
"Are not doubts the greatest of enemies?"
"You are never to allow a shadow of doubt to enter your mind."
"The world takes us at our own valuation. It believes in a man who believes in himself."
"He who waits for certainty never wins."
"No one will insist on your rights while you yourself doubt that you have any."
“When I don’t know whether to fight or not, I fight.” - Napolean Bonaparte
“The great thing about him is cool persistence.” - President Lincoln on General Lee
"[The painter Francisco Goya] was a great miser of spare moments, and used every one as though he might never see another."
"Fate was not mine, nor am I Fate’s” - Dryden
.
“When Henry Ward Beecher was asked how it was he could accomplish so much more than others, he replied:
‘I don’t do more, but less then other people. They do all their work 3 times over: once in anticipation, once in actuality, and once in renumeration. I do mine in actuality alone.”
More crumbs from this delicious cake:
------------------------------
"Focus all the scattered rays of the mind on one place."
"Many a man would have been a success had he concentrated his efforts."
"Continuity of purpose alone achieves results."
"To stick to something until you are a master is a test of intellectual discipline and will power."
"If I were 20 and had about 10 years to live, I would spend the first 9 years accumulating knowledge and getting ready for the 10th."
"There is always room for a man of force."
“The king is a man who can.” - Carlyle
"One talent with a will behind him will accomplish more than 10 without it."
"Will is the spinal column of personality."
"When they fashioned their hopes on fixed purposes, aid came unsought to help them on their way."
"A man without self-reliance and iron will is the play-thing of chance."
"Are not doubts the greatest of enemies?"
"You are never to allow a shadow of doubt to enter your mind."
"The world takes us at our own valuation. It believes in a man who believes in himself."
"He who waits for certainty never wins."
"No one will insist on your rights while you yourself doubt that you have any."
“When I don’t know whether to fight or not, I fight.” - Napolean Bonaparte
“The great thing about him is cool persistence.” - President Lincoln on General Lee
"[The painter Francisco Goya] was a great miser of spare moments, and used every one as though he might never see another."
"Fate was not mine, nor am I Fate’s” - Dryden
.
December 25, 2016
If you have never read any of Marden's book, this comment may not mean anything to you but I sincerely hope it does. Almost every quote, every sentence and every paragraph could be used as a stand alone motivational quote.
I have lost track of how many Marden's books I have read but it is easily 6 or 7. Everyone one of them have been gems of wisdom. Surprisingly they were all written in the 1890's through about 1914. Also extremely surprising he writes of times and attitudes that existed then that still exist today and by that I mean he is attempting to address attitudes that could use some work in order to find success.
Also surprising and also discouraging is that I have read a great many books written in the 60s through today that contain many of the stories and quotes without ever referencing that they probably came from Marden's works. That is truly sad as many of the authors have since gone on to fame and glory for their books when in fact those books have already been written by Marden.
This truly is another Marden gem. It contains his own perspectives as well as quotes and stores from and about others up until Marden's time. I love his writing style, I love his content as if you might not be able to tell.
My standards for books, (1) would I recommend it - YES! (2) would I buy it as a gift - YES! (3) would I buy it for my children and their children - YES!
I have lost track of how many Marden's books I have read but it is easily 6 or 7. Everyone one of them have been gems of wisdom. Surprisingly they were all written in the 1890's through about 1914. Also extremely surprising he writes of times and attitudes that existed then that still exist today and by that I mean he is attempting to address attitudes that could use some work in order to find success.
Also surprising and also discouraging is that I have read a great many books written in the 60s through today that contain many of the stories and quotes without ever referencing that they probably came from Marden's works. That is truly sad as many of the authors have since gone on to fame and glory for their books when in fact those books have already been written by Marden.
This truly is another Marden gem. It contains his own perspectives as well as quotes and stores from and about others up until Marden's time. I love his writing style, I love his content as if you might not be able to tell.
My standards for books, (1) would I recommend it - YES! (2) would I buy it as a gift - YES! (3) would I buy it for my children and their children - YES!
May 29, 2019
I’m not usually a fan of self help books but this one is a bit different and it’s hard to take exception to it. Believe in yourself, then others will believe in you and you can move mountains, rule the world, provided you have the necessary iron resolve. Nietzche with a smile.
July 22, 2019
This is a short book, it starts about Greek hero called Sotiris and goes on explaining how important is to have an iron will
August 17, 2021
4.0/5
A succinct, inspirational book that draws quotes and anecdotes from a diverse group of successful individuals throughout history — writers, painters, generals, kings, and businessmen. Their common trait? A decided, determined, persistent will that never gave up. Regardless of the reader’s stance on the will and how ‘free’ it is, this short book captures the essence of Shia Leboeuf’s “Just do it!” video with philosophical articulation.
Quotes:
[there are plenty of others that are sub-quoted by the author]
Genius, that power which dazzles mortal eyes, is but perseverance in disguise.
Many a man would have been a success had he connected his fragmentary efforts. Spasmodic, disconnected attempts, without concentration, uncontrolled by any fixed idea, will never bring success. It is continuity of purpose alone that achieves results.
A succinct, inspirational book that draws quotes and anecdotes from a diverse group of successful individuals throughout history — writers, painters, generals, kings, and businessmen. Their common trait? A decided, determined, persistent will that never gave up. Regardless of the reader’s stance on the will and how ‘free’ it is, this short book captures the essence of Shia Leboeuf’s “Just do it!” video with philosophical articulation.
Quotes:
[there are plenty of others that are sub-quoted by the author]
Genius, that power which dazzles mortal eyes, is but perseverance in disguise.
Many a man would have been a success had he connected his fragmentary efforts. Spasmodic, disconnected attempts, without concentration, uncontrolled by any fixed idea, will never bring success. It is continuity of purpose alone that achieves results.
October 27, 2023
atomic habits mas para pessoas que ainda têm um fogo na barriga
July 10, 2017
At less than 50 pages in length (the page count seems to vary greatly based on the edition), Iron Will could have simply been a chapter or two in one of Orison Swett Marden’s other books.
That being said, Iron Will was still worth the read and it did drive home the point that having an iron will/being persistent is one of the major keys to success. “The power to hold on is characteristic of all men have accomplished anything great; they may lack in some other particular, have many weaknesses or the eccentricities, but the quality of persistence is never absent from a successful man.”
In order to bring home this point, numerous examples of the successful people in history (due to the fact that this book was written over 100 years ago I found that many the names were not familiar to me) and how they arose from poor beginnings and how they became successful through their own determination, are cited.
One of the specific stories that really emphasized the importance of persistence for me was that of Thomas Carlyle just after he had completed writing the first volume of his “History of the French Revolution.” Apparently, “After the first volume was ready for the press, he loaned the manuscript to a neighbor, who left it lying on the floor, and the servant girl took it to kindle the fire. It was a bitter disappointment, but Carlyle was not the man to give up. After many months of pouring over hundreds of volumes of authorities and scores of manuscripts, he reproduced that which had burned in a few minutes.”
Some of the additional quotes, that I made note of, include:
- “I know no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that tenacity of purpose…” Ralph Waldo Emerson“
- “He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill: our antagonist is our helper.” Edmund Burke
The bottom line for me is that I did derive value from reading 'Iron Will' and. in spite of the fact that the book is very short and many of the examples dated, the message that success cannot be had without persistence is timeless and worth repeating. I would go on to say that if you are only going to read a single book by Orison Swett Marden, I would suggest either, “How to Succeed: Stepping-Stones to Fame and Fortune” or “Prosperity.”
That being said, Iron Will was still worth the read and it did drive home the point that having an iron will/being persistent is one of the major keys to success. “The power to hold on is characteristic of all men have accomplished anything great; they may lack in some other particular, have many weaknesses or the eccentricities, but the quality of persistence is never absent from a successful man.”
In order to bring home this point, numerous examples of the successful people in history (due to the fact that this book was written over 100 years ago I found that many the names were not familiar to me) and how they arose from poor beginnings and how they became successful through their own determination, are cited.
One of the specific stories that really emphasized the importance of persistence for me was that of Thomas Carlyle just after he had completed writing the first volume of his “History of the French Revolution.” Apparently, “After the first volume was ready for the press, he loaned the manuscript to a neighbor, who left it lying on the floor, and the servant girl took it to kindle the fire. It was a bitter disappointment, but Carlyle was not the man to give up. After many months of pouring over hundreds of volumes of authorities and scores of manuscripts, he reproduced that which had burned in a few minutes.”
Some of the additional quotes, that I made note of, include:
- “I know no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that tenacity of purpose…” Ralph Waldo Emerson“
- “He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill: our antagonist is our helper.” Edmund Burke
The bottom line for me is that I did derive value from reading 'Iron Will' and. in spite of the fact that the book is very short and many of the examples dated, the message that success cannot be had without persistence is timeless and worth repeating. I would go on to say that if you are only going to read a single book by Orison Swett Marden, I would suggest either, “How to Succeed: Stepping-Stones to Fame and Fortune” or “Prosperity.”
March 16, 2015
In my opinion, Orison has, at times, over emphasized passion and perseverance at the cost of a balanced and rational approcah towards things. There are instances when sticking to something or striving heedlessly towards a goal may prove to be a wild goose chase.
However, this may not always be the case. Staying committed to a cause through thick and thin may yield incredible results too.
From that perspective, Oswel does well to lift one's spirits by laying stress on the power of will & also by recounting the stories where strength of will led to success.
However, this may not always be the case. Staying committed to a cause through thick and thin may yield incredible results too.
From that perspective, Oswel does well to lift one's spirits by laying stress on the power of will & also by recounting the stories where strength of will led to success.
June 28, 2011
i liked it, but there was a little something i felt it lacked. i can't say what exactly, but i wanted there to be more guidance in how to develop an iron will. i didn't even know what this book was about before reading it, but at the end, it felt unfinished. part one: the importance of the iron will, part two: how to strengthen your willpower. where's part two?
May 20, 2017
A great essay on the necessity of the will. An iron will is a character trait that is within every successful and powerful person both alive today and throughout history. An iron will is what divides the mediocre from the best. This book was a great motivational reminder on how important it is to practise and maintain a will that is unbreakable. I liked this book.
September 3, 2015
Small book easy to read.
The concepts are very simple:
Importance of perseverance
Importance of strong health etc...
The book is mainly a long list of examples.
The concepts are very simple:
Importance of perseverance
Importance of strong health etc...
The book is mainly a long list of examples.
December 23, 2023
Ништо не е невозможно за оној што умее доволно долго да ја применува својата волја.
,,Не правам повеќе, туку помалку од другите. Сите ја извршуваат истата работа трипати: еднаш пред да ја сработат, додека се во исчекување, вторпат во моментот кога ја работат и третпат откако ќе ја сработат и одново и се навраќаат...” – Хенри Вард Бичер
Мала но многу моќна книга. Кога имаме волја, способни сме да преминеме преку безброј препреки. За секоја зацртана цел треба да одиме до крај и никогаш да не се откажуваме.
,,...успехот е плод на вложениот труд и на упорноста...постојаната борба, непрестајната битка да се успее во тешки, неповолни услови е цената што луѓето ја платиле за да остварат големи достигнувања.”
,,Што е поразот? Нова лекција, прв чекор кон нешто подобро.”
,,Не правам повеќе, туку помалку од другите. Сите ја извршуваат истата работа трипати: еднаш пред да ја сработат, додека се во исчекување, вторпат во моментот кога ја работат и третпат откако ќе ја сработат и одново и се навраќаат...” – Хенри Вард Бичер
Мала но многу моќна книга. Кога имаме волја, способни сме да преминеме преку безброј препреки. За секоја зацртана цел треба да одиме до крај и никогаш да не се откажуваме.
,,...успехот е плод на вложениот труд и на упорноста...постојаната борба, непрестајната битка да се успее во тешки, неповолни услови е цената што луѓето ја платиле за да остварат големи достигнувања.”
,,Што е поразот? Нова лекција, прв чекор кон нешто подобро.”
December 26, 2019
A wonderful book on doggedness, determination, willpower. The writings of Mr. Marden are inspiring and hit you like an avalanche. The narration of this audiobook by Ms. Golding is excellent and conveys the forceful message of the book wonderfully.
April 5, 2019
An Iron Will, a book by Orison Swett Marden. The book discussed four important values that all humans should live by to have a more fulfilling a satisfying life.The author develops these values in stages throughout the book. The author discusses these values, will, persistence, not to give up, and ambition. He discusses how it's important to have these things, and without them we are feeble and weak. He gives 3 example throughout the book to further explain these values. He gives a story of a painter, the story of Napoleon, and a story of a greek athlete trying to impress his father. While reading one thing that stood out to me was how the author organized the way of the story. He started of with will, ambition, then not giving up, and then to persistence. I believe he did this to make the story flow better, and to help the reader better understand the deeper meaning of the book and tie certain meaning together the way he wanted it to seem. Overall the author wanted to give a message to its readers, and that message is the importance to have these values to keep moving forward. This book was a rollercoaster ride for me and really made me think on my past, present, and how I want to act and behave in the future. It asks you many rhetorical questions that could make you think a little when your reading it and gives you perspectives you probably haven't thought of before. I would recommend this book to people who might be depressed, or have a gloomy outlook on the world. Even people who are so depressed to the brink of suicide, even though it sounds crazy this book would honestly help them. It really makes you realize the importance of life and teaches you how to live in it with the values persistence, will, not to give up, and ambition. I rated this 5 stars because not only was it a unique read but it was something that I haven't ever been exposed to. Overall and amazing book, and might look for more in this type of genre.
February 11, 2018
A supreme account of conscious power through persistence and dauntless will. Reminding the individual that they are not just things of straw and wind, but are also crafted at once, too, of iron. Beautifully written it read very much like the backbone of all other self-help books, at once truly respecting and then empowering the reader to the strength of their own mental faculties. A service sublime in its simplicity, immortalising the lessons of time honoured practices like intellectual discipline, focus in the face of hardship and the indomitable force that is true will power.
Filled with reminiscent anecdotes, conceptions and the sayings of great individuals, who laboured through self-reliance to become heroes, creators and makers, An Iron Will beguiles the searcher with tales of the fabric of human excellence. Those who made history, were those who made themselves one with the Will. That which is the silver of the divine within woman, and within man.
“Besiege the chance, conqueror the chance, and make chance the servitor.”
For if you cannot make a chance, create them and act swiftly and without pause upon them, then you will squander the most beneficial opportunities that will arise upon your course. For one you will not appreciate, nor will you have the ability to act truly upon them.
“Is it not possible to decree the levels and extents of success and failure by their various degrees of willpower?”
One who can resolve vigorously upon a course of action and who turns neither to the right or the left though a paradise tempt him, keeping eyes upon the goal, is sure of success.
For all the mastery and fortune in the world falls short of success when absent purpose.
Fixed purposes and steady work leads to unsought aid, whilst periods of whimsical wanting and idle longings are faced with mountains of difficulty. All have the same potential of actualising themselves. The difference is what is done. Whether to cultivate a conscious power in your Will, or to bemoan that which one does not do, that which is not given freely within the vast oasis of internal facilities. Whose actualisation through action thereby corresponds with the desired external results.
For the betterment of the individual, and all humanity, master your mind and master your will.
As is the force of strong mental disciplines on one’s life. Developed or naught, mental ability is there as a power always to be developed alongside one’s tasks and life mission. Recognised or naught it is there to be wielded as your instrument. The mind is your instrument of will and not the other way around. It is there to be used to the most on-high accomplishment of your own destiny.
All thoughts that you are not made of success are traitors and are to be treated as such. Like thieves in the night they are to be banished. By this mode of mental discipline, with the mind as your instrument, oftentimes individuals can be seen to be one of three characters as ordained by their mental approach to their own lives, and the lives of others.
The Wills, the Wonts and the Cants – the first achieve everything, the second oppose everything and the third fail in everything.
Doubts, fears and complaints, are they not the worst of your enemies? Do they not serve no purpose but to stagger you into obscurity when you seek to work upon your great tasks? Cast them all aside. They are foul little fellows. And serve only as a point of trial and test for one to overcome, vanquish, and be all the stronger for it. Leave all such follies aside and ask yourself truly – do you believe in yourself?
Then resolve to a clear and enduring purpose.
Filled with reminiscent anecdotes, conceptions and the sayings of great individuals, who laboured through self-reliance to become heroes, creators and makers, An Iron Will beguiles the searcher with tales of the fabric of human excellence. Those who made history, were those who made themselves one with the Will. That which is the silver of the divine within woman, and within man.
“Besiege the chance, conqueror the chance, and make chance the servitor.”
For if you cannot make a chance, create them and act swiftly and without pause upon them, then you will squander the most beneficial opportunities that will arise upon your course. For one you will not appreciate, nor will you have the ability to act truly upon them.
“Is it not possible to decree the levels and extents of success and failure by their various degrees of willpower?”
One who can resolve vigorously upon a course of action and who turns neither to the right or the left though a paradise tempt him, keeping eyes upon the goal, is sure of success.
For all the mastery and fortune in the world falls short of success when absent purpose.
Fixed purposes and steady work leads to unsought aid, whilst periods of whimsical wanting and idle longings are faced with mountains of difficulty. All have the same potential of actualising themselves. The difference is what is done. Whether to cultivate a conscious power in your Will, or to bemoan that which one does not do, that which is not given freely within the vast oasis of internal facilities. Whose actualisation through action thereby corresponds with the desired external results.
For the betterment of the individual, and all humanity, master your mind and master your will.
As is the force of strong mental disciplines on one’s life. Developed or naught, mental ability is there as a power always to be developed alongside one’s tasks and life mission. Recognised or naught it is there to be wielded as your instrument. The mind is your instrument of will and not the other way around. It is there to be used to the most on-high accomplishment of your own destiny.
All thoughts that you are not made of success are traitors and are to be treated as such. Like thieves in the night they are to be banished. By this mode of mental discipline, with the mind as your instrument, oftentimes individuals can be seen to be one of three characters as ordained by their mental approach to their own lives, and the lives of others.
The Wills, the Wonts and the Cants – the first achieve everything, the second oppose everything and the third fail in everything.
Doubts, fears and complaints, are they not the worst of your enemies? Do they not serve no purpose but to stagger you into obscurity when you seek to work upon your great tasks? Cast them all aside. They are foul little fellows. And serve only as a point of trial and test for one to overcome, vanquish, and be all the stronger for it. Leave all such follies aside and ask yourself truly – do you believe in yourself?
Then resolve to a clear and enduring purpose.
January 16, 2024
Fantastic little book and quick read highlighting the importance of ones “iron” will power and determination towards obtaining a goal and desire...
No fluff and straight to the point with great examples
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
No fluff and straight to the point with great examples
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
March 7, 2019
Iron will is human’s persistence and perseverance against drudgery to move closer to one’s goal and success.
The story of Thurlow Weed among all the hardship of earliest artist/inventor, is what intrigue me the most from this book - Weed as a boy working in maple sugar factory/house with shoes made of tied old carpet around his feet, even walking barefooted three miles in the snow to borrow books from the neighbors and reading at night with half of his body outside the sugar-house because there was no candles. (Candles were luxury)
He was then a famous journalist for fifty seven years.
The second self-help classic that I’ve read and planning to read more of Marden’s.
The story of Thurlow Weed among all the hardship of earliest artist/inventor, is what intrigue me the most from this book - Weed as a boy working in maple sugar factory/house with shoes made of tied old carpet around his feet, even walking barefooted three miles in the snow to borrow books from the neighbors and reading at night with half of his body outside the sugar-house because there was no candles. (Candles were luxury)
He was then a famous journalist for fifty seven years.
The second self-help classic that I’ve read and planning to read more of Marden’s.
May 12, 2012
Fairly easy read ... undoubtedly most will find some of the references and notables to be outdated (and they are), but their meanings and intent are easily deciphered. I am a little baffled at the purpose behind this book, especially when you consider when it was written. I would have thought that there would have been little need for this type of literature at the end of the 19th or beginning of the 20th century.
Having said that ... there it is anyway! I'm not sure that people today will benefit much from this book, but I guess it is there if anyone feels the need (like me).
Having said that ... there it is anyway! I'm not sure that people today will benefit much from this book, but I guess it is there if anyone feels the need (like me).
March 22, 2023
Well, not exactly what I was expecting. The author has collected many sayings and deeds of men with Iron will. So far so good. He keeps telling us that Iron will is very important. He wants to convince us as if we didn't know that! But how can we train ourselves to get the Iron will? On this the author says nothing at all. And this is very disappointing, because this is the main reason I got the book!
I re-read this book this year (2023). I would give it 2,5 stars this time. It is worth reading it and it is inspiring.
I re-read this book this year (2023). I would give it 2,5 stars this time. It is worth reading it and it is inspiring.
September 9, 2013
So good I read it twice. Great stories of iron will including examples of Napoleon and many successful business men that rose from the ashes of poverty to greatness. An iron will is one of undying devotion to purpose. If your will is not unstoppable, then perhaps your purpose isn't well placed. A man is only as good as his purpose and his will only as good as his desire to fulfill it. Excellent book!
November 9, 2018
Should be read once every few months.
"Never give up. There are chances and changes helping the hopeful a 100 to 1 and through the chaos, high wisdom arranges ever success if you only hold on. Never give up. For the wisest is boldest knowing that providence mingles the cup and of all maxims the best as the oldest is the stern watch word of never give up."
"Never give up. There are chances and changes helping the hopeful a 100 to 1 and through the chaos, high wisdom arranges ever success if you only hold on. Never give up. For the wisest is boldest knowing that providence mingles the cup and of all maxims the best as the oldest is the stern watch word of never give up."
December 20, 2018
This books makes great information on the human will pointing out to amazing people in man's history such as MichelAngelo, Emerson, John Bunyan and even wonderful hymn writers to some of my favourite hymns in this faith walk. GOD BE GLORIFIED for such a book. If you ain' ever heard of it now you do. If you are skeptical, step out of the boat and let the LORD guide you through this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2011
This is an extremely strong push to achieve what you up to. The book is short but has a great mental benefits. I recommend this book to every person who wants to forward in his live. This book encourages me to ream more of Marden book.
September 4, 2011
Really boring so far, and I'm surprised, since I've loved his other books. This is a small book, and yet I'm slogging my way through it. It actually seems to be long on pictures and short on content - which surprises me, for this author.
July 20, 2018
Insightful & to the point. Despite being over 100 years old, it shares relevant guidance for anyone. There were some arguments he made that I didn't agree with but all in all I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to my friends.
February 26, 2013
It was a bible of persistence. Recommended for regular reading!
April 29, 2019
An Iron Will began and ended with god. As if belief in a 1st Century myth equates with will power and success. Had a few good stories in the middle, but I would recommend this pamphlet to nobody.
June 22, 2014
Energy-nourishing writing from Orison Swett Marden.
It is said: "A small thing can make a big difference".
This small book can do. It has that WILL.
It is said: "A small thing can make a big difference".
This small book can do. It has that WILL.
July 5, 2015
I really liked it. Full of wisdom and motivation. Very easy to read and quite small at 50 pages. You can get it for free at project Gutenberg.
March 29, 2015
Inspiring read
I found the book to be inspirational and motivational. A fast read that is nicely written. Some insight for triathletes as well.
I found the book to be inspirational and motivational. A fast read that is nicely written. Some insight for triathletes as well.
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