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Enthusiasm Makes the Difference
An alternate cover edition of ISBN 0449211592 can be found here.
"I am convinced that the fortunate individuals who achieve the most in life are invariably activated by enthusiasm." -- Norman Vincent Peale
If you have a tough time coping with life's disturbances, disappointments, and challenges, this book is for you. Dr. Peale offers a simple, sure-fire solution for stress: a healthy dose of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the magic ingredient that can make the difference between success and failure, and it can help you to:
• improve your problem-solving abilities• overcome your fears
• sharpen your mind
• make your job more rewarding
• calm your tensions
• build self-confidence
• kindle the powerful motivation that makes things happen
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
117 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
Norman Vincent Peale
721 books1,346 followersDr. 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 11, 2017
"It has been established by repeated demonstration that a person can make of himself just about what he wants to, provided he wants to badly enough and correctly goes about doing it. (Norman Vincent Peale, Enthusiasm Makes the Difference, Page 427)
Enthusiasm will be infused into you as you read this book. The author provides many practical examples of people who were infused by enthusiasm. Some people are naturally enthusiastic and some people are naturally pessimistic. If you are naturally enthusiastic as I am, you will need to keep your fires burning in this negative world. Don't let the naysayers put your fire out. The world needs your enthusiasm.
As the author does in the other books I have read (The Power of Positive Thinking, The Positive Principle Today) he gives case studies of those who had problems with being enthusiastic and practical principles they put into practice to put the fires of enthusiasm back into their life.
Enthusiasm will make you unstoppable!
Enthusiasm will be infused into you as you read this book. The author provides many practical examples of people who were infused by enthusiasm. Some people are naturally enthusiastic and some people are naturally pessimistic. If you are naturally enthusiastic as I am, you will need to keep your fires burning in this negative world. Don't let the naysayers put your fire out. The world needs your enthusiasm.
As the author does in the other books I have read (The Power of Positive Thinking, The Positive Principle Today) he gives case studies of those who had problems with being enthusiastic and practical principles they put into practice to put the fires of enthusiasm back into their life.
Enthusiasm will make you unstoppable!
June 9, 2015
I don't know how Peale's work here deviated so far from the successful communication of concept and practice in "... positive thinking." After making my way halfway through the book 3 years ago, I picked it up again to be very quickly reminded of why it slipped away the first time. I had the misfortune of picking the book up again at the point where a client wanted his wife back and went to find her in the garden. Don't expect to be convinced to the level that Carnegie engages an audience (through his survey of thousands of entrepreneurs)- Peale draws only on anecdote and personal experience here to indirectly support the central thesis re: enthusiasm. There's some decent humor built into some of these experiences where Peale displays his passive aggressive non-confrontational behavior. It's simple for the reader to see that writing this work was therapeutic to the author as Peale doesn't hesitate to academically mock those whom he encountered that did not share his point of view.
October 21, 2012
A couple weeks ago a fellow Toastmaster mentioned this book in a speech he delivered. Always seeking something new (and not being unaware of my lack of enthusiasm) I purchased this Kindle version of the book.
It was okay. Peale's enthusiasm is evident. For that, it is a good enough read. Alas, I am what Peale would describe as a sophisticate, thus struggled with the message. If Peale were alive today, I have no doubt there would have been a pitch to join his "team", ala John Maxwell, for $5,000. I am not a self-help-type of a guy and this book is right down that path.
Additionally, the book seemed to be pieced together from multiple sources. It read like one large Toastmaster speech in that there was one story after another that were used to seemingly illustrate his points. Some were lifted from other texts, which seemed odd to me.
One thing I enjoyed, however, about the book were the words used. Peale and I were educated similarly in language. This book is written with terminology I use daily but for which may seem stilted to many in this day and age.
It's an easy read, but at about 65% through, I was ready for it to end. I was pleased that the last 6% were the indices. :) This Kindle version had some typographic errors, most notably missing hyphens.
The message is simple, lead an enthusiastic life, even when it is difficult to do. Give to God what is too burdensome and life will be pleasant. It's a good message.
It was okay. Peale's enthusiasm is evident. For that, it is a good enough read. Alas, I am what Peale would describe as a sophisticate, thus struggled with the message. If Peale were alive today, I have no doubt there would have been a pitch to join his "team", ala John Maxwell, for $5,000. I am not a self-help-type of a guy and this book is right down that path.
Additionally, the book seemed to be pieced together from multiple sources. It read like one large Toastmaster speech in that there was one story after another that were used to seemingly illustrate his points. Some were lifted from other texts, which seemed odd to me.
One thing I enjoyed, however, about the book were the words used. Peale and I were educated similarly in language. This book is written with terminology I use daily but for which may seem stilted to many in this day and age.
It's an easy read, but at about 65% through, I was ready for it to end. I was pleased that the last 6% were the indices. :) This Kindle version had some typographic errors, most notably missing hyphens.
The message is simple, lead an enthusiastic life, even when it is difficult to do. Give to God what is too burdensome and life will be pleasant. It's a good message.
January 10, 2016
Fairly repetitive, in fact it includes stories that have appeared in his previous books. And, the word enthusiasm could be replaced with "positive thinking" - the book would read the same. I did appreciate his chapter on setbacks and bad things that happen to us. It seems the modern world wants to believe that we can do away with all adversity, but Peale points out that sometimes adversity is what makes us set goals and accomplish something, that adversity promotes growth. He also included a section on the "Up with People" group, a group I haven't heard about in decades. (Of course, the book is decades old.) I still remember some of their songs. It was a fun step back in time but probably wouldn't mean much to today's youth.
June 28, 2025
48 enthusiasm makes a difference. I get that he was trying to do a good thing and move things in a positive direction. But, you know, the road to hell Is paved in gold, right? Something like that. The thing is, he just made up so much shit. He doesn't even understand the Muslim faith. He's talking about Muslims and all their deities, Like, dude, that is an Abrahamic religion. I've read the Quran. Don't fucking be this way. The same God. They even go in the book, and that if you read the Quran, it says We like Christians. We don't like Jews, but we like Christians, and I'm like, Norman, you don't fucking, get it. I don't know that you've ever met Muslims or ever spoken with Muslims, so I think you're lying Not just using creative language and taking creative liberties, but outright lying.
That's why people said even during this time period that he was being hokey And that people don't talk this way. And that's why I said people don't talk this way, So you using use even saying like that you would Rephrase things and use creative emphasis with this Creative art history. Whatever you want to call it it. No, it doesn't make this better. This was really bad.
That's why people said even during this time period that he was being hokey And that people don't talk this way. And that's why I said people don't talk this way, So you using use even saying like that you would Rephrase things and use creative emphasis with this Creative art history. Whatever you want to call it it. No, it doesn't make this better. This was really bad.
November 9, 2024
Overall, though dated, this still stands out as one of the best business books ever written. It's a blunt yet calming read as Peale clearly knew how to present facts and talk from experience.
Enthusiasm is what you do on a daily basis is key to success in any industry. You have to believe that what you're doing is going to make a difference. You don't need to reinvent the wheel every day. Just be 1% better than you were yesterday.
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the religious overtones became a little too intense at times and Peale misconstrued conviction in faith as enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm is what you do on a daily basis is key to success in any industry. You have to believe that what you're doing is going to make a difference. You don't need to reinvent the wheel every day. Just be 1% better than you were yesterday.
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the religious overtones became a little too intense at times and Peale misconstrued conviction in faith as enthusiasm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
I was hoping that this book would rekindle enthusiasm in me. It failed to do it - what actually helped me was my boss's vacation (when he left for two weeks), which happened to coincide with the time of reading the final pages of the book. The book itself seems to have only one recipe for enthusiasm - prayers and religious engagement. The author holds lots of remotely related human behaviors for enthusiasm - such as: resilience, perseverance, faith, religious commitment. However, there are several ideas that are useful if not in making you enthusiastic in the morning, then in at least looking at the bright side of life.
December 19, 2016
Norman Vincent Peale was a well-known Reformed Church in America minister, author of self-help books, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work in theology. His best known book it The Power of Positive Thinking. This book, Enthusiasm Makes the Difference might be considered a subcategory of the general concept of positivity, with its focus upon how to generate and maintain enthusiasm throughout life. Peale differentiates positivity as the way one thinks about a problem, enthusiasm as the way one feels about a problem, and the interaction of the two as the way the solution is engendered.
The book relies heavily upon anecdotes, which I like as they make the text approachable and applicable –the reader can believe he can accomplish the formulae herein because other everyday people are able to do it, too. Overall, the text is easy to understand. Peale utilizes heading and subheadings well, and he introduces topics and segues between ideas and examples in a relational manner.
On the one hand, this book targets a niche market—those seeking to improve their lives via Peale’s methodology. On the other hand, enthusiasm as a concept is nigh universal, so anyone can benefit from the text. I recommend this book to those seeking to dig deeper into the themes of positivity (essentially what most modern readers would call The Law of Attraction) along with an application of the same. Those only casually interested in the subject might want to take a look at a shorter volume.
The book relies heavily upon anecdotes, which I like as they make the text approachable and applicable –the reader can believe he can accomplish the formulae herein because other everyday people are able to do it, too. Overall, the text is easy to understand. Peale utilizes heading and subheadings well, and he introduces topics and segues between ideas and examples in a relational manner.
On the one hand, this book targets a niche market—those seeking to improve their lives via Peale’s methodology. On the other hand, enthusiasm as a concept is nigh universal, so anyone can benefit from the text. I recommend this book to those seeking to dig deeper into the themes of positivity (essentially what most modern readers would call The Law of Attraction) along with an application of the same. Those only casually interested in the subject might want to take a look at a shorter volume.
October 30, 2014
This book made me delve a little deeper into myself and live with passion, with enthusiasm again. It helped me to focus on getting over the barriers in life and taught me the importance of self motivators!
Read
March 20, 2008248.4
February 23, 2009
It makes you more aware of all the good in life. Enjoy the moment. That's where you will find happiness. A feel good book.
September 26, 2012
I read this book as a Stock Broker two years into my new position. I loved this book as I have the others written by this great man. This is a must read self improvement book! Written in 1967.
August 17, 2013
Mixed feelings but has some value.
November 26, 2015
Self help gem. A bit dated and ultimately inspiration for anything else one might have read. Perhaps overly simple- but still a good reminder.
February 12, 2017
Practiless; Opposite of practical!
August 6, 2019
Very inspiring easy to read
November 26, 2020
Asta a fost unica cartea pe care am abandonat-o și am pus autorul in lista neagră 😂 pentru totdeauna . Cea mai plictisitoare carte peste care mi s-a întâmplat să dau.
December 26, 2017
I have read a lot of books by Norman Vincent Peale, and I think his works are like "miracle pills" for the mind. However, I believe that the problem with his works is that he tried to mix psychology and religion. Most of the time, science and religion are like oil and water: they do not mix.
I have no doubts that enthusiasm and "positive thinking" can propel certain people to places. Angela Lee Duckworth even mentioned, from a more scientific perspective, that "grit," or the long-term passion and pursuit of a goal is what drives people to succeed in life. Peale definitely has some worth with his books. However, repeating something unfounded on science a million times does not make it unscientific.
"Miracle pills" are often "proven" by anecdotes. But just because people tout their effectiveness doesn't make them the cause of those people's cure. In the same vein, while a more optimistic outlook may help in the lives of certain people, it can't do the same for everyone. This is the fundamental problem I find with this book, because even if one restates the success that is brought forth from "positive thinking" and "unceasing enthusiasm," there are just a few unlucky people in this world: they may not have been blessed by their birth, race, or luck. That is, unequivocally, a fact: some people are born poor, and some are born rich. No matter how enthusiastic someone born from a poor family is, it will take him some time to be as rich as those children born rich. Often times, the transition into wealth will never happen, even if the former is enthusiastic.
Peale does his job, though. He does try to inspire, and tries to do so by providing a countless number of examples. It just doesn't make any of his writings great. I like reading a few of them, anyway.
I have no doubts that enthusiasm and "positive thinking" can propel certain people to places. Angela Lee Duckworth even mentioned, from a more scientific perspective, that "grit," or the long-term passion and pursuit of a goal is what drives people to succeed in life. Peale definitely has some worth with his books. However, repeating something unfounded on science a million times does not make it unscientific.
"Miracle pills" are often "proven" by anecdotes. But just because people tout their effectiveness doesn't make them the cause of those people's cure. In the same vein, while a more optimistic outlook may help in the lives of certain people, it can't do the same for everyone. This is the fundamental problem I find with this book, because even if one restates the success that is brought forth from "positive thinking" and "unceasing enthusiasm," there are just a few unlucky people in this world: they may not have been blessed by their birth, race, or luck. That is, unequivocally, a fact: some people are born poor, and some are born rich. No matter how enthusiastic someone born from a poor family is, it will take him some time to be as rich as those children born rich. Often times, the transition into wealth will never happen, even if the former is enthusiastic.
Peale does his job, though. He does try to inspire, and tries to do so by providing a countless number of examples. It just doesn't make any of his writings great. I like reading a few of them, anyway.
July 8, 2024
While the book was longer than it needed to be in my opinion - this was a good reminder about being enthusiastic and upbeat in handling things in various aspects of life and more.
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
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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, 2020
I was able to collect some notes from this book, and enjoyed a lot of the anecdotes. Of course, written in the late 1960s, some references were quite outdated. Even an entire chapter (Chapter 11) included a lot of predictions for the future (which is surely in the past at this point) that ended up being inaccurate - to no fault of Peale’s. I find it noteworthy that the frequent references to “beatniks” was superbly entertaining. I also could have skipped the chapter altogether as it felt like a big, long review of the “Sing Out America” show/movement. Otherwise, as I said, I enjoyed a lot of the anecdotes and lessons therein.
July 28, 2021
This is a phenomenal book! I noticed a difference in myself within the first few chapters. I love all the examples Peale provides in the text, as it makes the information very relatable when reading. I'm eager to apply more enthusiasm into every area of my life, and I highly recommend reading this book if you're having trouble doing the same!
February 13, 2023
I enthusiastically recommend this book!
No matter where you are on the enthusiasm scale, you will get something out of all the examples in this book. I consider myself to be a very positive person, yet after reading this book, I realize there are areas of my thinking that can use a boost in enthusiasm.
No matter where you are on the enthusiasm scale, you will get something out of all the examples in this book. I consider myself to be a very positive person, yet after reading this book, I realize there are areas of my thinking that can use a boost in enthusiasm.
Read
March 19, 2023Had to read it for uni, it was from a list of books we could choose from. I remember wanting this one because I thought it might help me see the world differently and it did for a while. Love the encouragement from it!
July 28, 2024
The book started out great with examples of people discovering enthusiasm and enhancing their careers as well as their personal lives. But by halfway I felt it just became a religious rant with no clear direction.
December 25, 2025
It definitely gives a different perspective on where your headspace should be.
I personally believe in God, not Christ. As you read further, the latter is pushed hard.
If you are not cemented in your faith, this could change your perspective.
I personally believe in God, not Christ. As you read further, the latter is pushed hard.
If you are not cemented in your faith, this could change your perspective.
January 30, 2020
Excellent Book!
July 2, 2020
The origin of self development. Old school motivational stories; this is how Christianity should look like, be understood like and be accepted like. P.s he really dislikes hippies :) !
December 28, 2022
I read this book when I was anxious about choosing my passion. This book taught me to focus on doing what I love (even if it will never be easy) and give my 100% for it.
June 12, 2023
A fantastic read! The author really demonstrates through practical examples how enthusiasm can bring life and success to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews