Think & Grow Rich / The Law of Success

by Napoleon Hill

Achieve personal and professional success when you read Think & Grow Rich and The Law of Success. This easy-to-read compendium teaches the secrets of how your subconscious and attitude affect your success.

Inspired by Andrew Carnegie, Think & Grow Rich has been on bestseller lists for more than fifty years and sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. It has also been a major influence on many personal-growth seminars.

The Law of Success teaches how you can use the principles behind Henry Ford's success in your own life. In just sixteen lessons, you'll gain insight into a philosophy what will change your life. It's no wonder that The Law of Success is the foundational text for today's motivational books.

Genres: Business, Self Help, Personal Development, Nonfiction, Personal Finance, Money, Finance

695 pages, Hardcover

First published June 6, 2010

About the author

Oliver Napoleon Hill was an American self-help author and conman. He is best known for his book Think and Grow Rich (1937), which is among the best-selling self-help books of all time. Hill's works insisted that fervid expectations are essential to improving one's life. Most of his books were promoted as expounding principles to achieve "success".
Hill is a controversial figure. Accused of fraud, modern historians also doubt many of his claims, such as that he met Andrew Carnegie and that he was an attorney.

Reviews

[Krista McFerren]

INTRO
As one might suspect by the title, Napoleon Hill strikes me as if Norman Vincent Peale and L. Ron Hubbard wrote a book on salesmanship...
"Think and Grow Rich" having the primary goal of instructing how to amass wealth, is metaphysical advice given in the 1930's toward the end of The Great Depression.  "The depression was a blessing in disguise. It reduced the whole world to a new starting point that gives everyone a new opportunity," theorizes Hill. (makes me wonder if he knew any poor people...)  ;(  
A controversial character, Hill supposedly rubbed elbows and befriended some of the largest industrialists of his day. He studied them to glean their secret to monetary success.  For instance, he relays that Andrew Carnegie knew nothing about making steel but surrounded himself with men who could.
",,,temporary defeat is not permanent failure... Build other plans. Start over... defeat should mean only one thing...  there is something wrong with your plan."
He speaks a lot of transmutation, as in your desire (life energy goal) can be transmuted into money. Money, as an "inert matter", can be called to come because it can "hear."
Strange indeed!
LEADERSHIP
He gives an admirable description of what it takes to be a leader and distinguishes 2 types of leaders:By Force - the old schema to instill fearBy Consent - the new schema, by encouragement(great political summary? ;)
DECISIONS
Advises to reach a decision quickly and change it slowly.Decisions by a small group of people can change the world - for the better or worse.The Declaration of Independence is described as "the most momentous decision ever placed upon paper." Democracy gives mankind the privilege to make decisions.
His aggressive  job seeking advice, no doubt suitable and necessary for the time, includes to 'work for free' if needed!Market yourself, create your own job, pick the company are all empowering suggestions that are still applicable today.The ultimate importance of brain power is heralded as worth more than money - it can't be stolen, depleted, spent. Money mixed with brains is a winning combo, and "Money without brains is always dangerous."
FAILURE - the enemy
Hill lists 30 major causes of failure, both biological and social, such as heredity (wow); negative personality; gambling instinct (interesting); indecision; fear; being too cautious; wrong mate choice (!); superstition/ignorance; gluttony; wrong vocation; spendthrift; dishonesty; lack of: purpose, ambition, education, self control, discipline, tolerance, enthusiasm...'You aren't paid for what you know, but what you do with it.'"Quick riches are more dangerous than poverty."
ECONOMIC
Advises, everyone can render useful service and collect payment of proportional value. (AKA Know, increase, and earn your worth.)Be of more value than you receive (path to promotion?).One cannot (and should not?) be able to get riches without equal effort.I love this one... "Your financial requirements or wants have nothing whatever to do with your worth." (Wow. So... my future employer doesn't care how much my mortgage is???  ;) Do not tolerate getting without giving! Getting without giving is a societal problem! Dictators violate this Law of Economics by taking what they want - but did not earn - by force.
Check out this timely cautionary tale!"The practice by government officials of extending to men and women the privilege of raiding the public treasury in return for votes sometimes results in election, but as night follows day, the final payoff comes - when every penny wrongfully used must be repaid with compound interest on compound interest. If those who make the grab are not forced to repay, the burden falls on their children and their children's children, 'even unto the third and fourth generations.' There is no way to avoid the debt."
POWER
States, power is essential to the accumulation of money. (the whole point of this book)Plans + Power = ActionPower transmutes desire into wealth."The human mind is a form of energy." (AKA Thinking is energy, "...some brains are more efficient than others." LOL)
SPIRITUAL
Hill refers to - what seems to be what most of us contribute to 'God' - "Infinite Intelligence" and suggests " ... the subconscious mind is the connecting link between the finite mind of man and [this] Infinite Intelligence." The way prayer works, according to Hill, is " ... mental impulses are modified by adding emotion and changed into their spiritual equivalent... the medium through which prayer may be transmitted to the source capable of answering prayer." Prayer costs nothing!  :)Albeit not your standard religious teaching but I like the idea of how to approach prayer and some advice is biblical... such as avoiding negative thoughts and protecting and promoting the influences on yourself in a proper, helpful way by who you hang with, etc. He determines that negative and positive thoughts cannot exist at the same time - which reminds me of Paul in the Bible stating that 'Love casts out Fear.'
Basically, man was not meant to be alone (biblical, for different reasons perhaps! ;) - where 2 or 3 are gathered (biblical) - gives more 'brain power.'  He deduces Gandhi was so powerful by the 200M people coordinating with him for a purpose. (Could be equated to the power of prayer???)
"This is not a course on religion."  ;) - But, declares that, "Faith is the only agency which will give your thoughts a spiritual nature."
Other ideas, perhaps not so biblical, are these sort of 'spiritual laws'???'Man can create nothing which he does not first conceive in thought via imagination.'" ... every material thing begins in the form of thought-energy."'Positive emotions bring fortune', and I guess negative ones bring the opposite!? (Reminds me of Colin Powell equating poverty to a 'mindset.')According to him, riches have to be attracted.Another law:  Desire + Plans = Riches
Thought mixed with Imagination makes Plans which, when mixed with Faith, enable Success."Poverty needs no plan."  LOL
METAPHYSICAL
Hill describes a "vibration of thought" that all brains are connected and thus believes in a "6th sense", clairvoyance, and telepathy. Describes these 'vibes' as radio waves and persons as radio stations, capable of receiving.
FEAR
According to Hill, there are 3 worst enemies: Indecision, Doubt, Fear.He has a chapter on the Ghosts of Fear and identifies and addresses 6 of them: Poverty, Criticism, Ill Health, Love Loss, Old Age, Death. (religion can make this one worse - hell fire, or better - heaven :)In 1929 the "Fear of Poverty" seized people!
Fear exists only in the mind and paralyzes reason, yet, although merely 'uncontrolled imagination', it can do as much damage as a physical threat.
He describes a condition of "Old Man Worry." You may have seen it? Experienced it? ;/ Worry he defines as a state of mind based upon fear, and it can destroy self-confidence, cause indecision, and is contagious.. :(BUT CAN be controlled!"If you fail to control your own mind you may be sure you will control nothing else." Mind contol by self-discipline and habit. All good advice!'To be conquered by self is most shameful and vile.' Control your mind, or it will control YOU. Indeed!
THE PERSON
Much controversy surounds him... His claims of knowing / meeting the rich & famous has been questioned, chasing money all his life he had many missteps. From my research on Napoleon Hill as a person, he was a very Trumpian character! Being accused of lies, he also failed with scam schools, reported someone as a spy to the FBI for revenge. He also had faithful followers... some would use his book almost as a religious text. One of his several wives ended up marrying her divorce lawyer and later wrote a book titled "How to Attract Men and Money". LOL! There have been films made on his life; I look forward to watching them as he also strikes me as a Forest Gump figure! The Wiki of his life was more facinating than this book! ;)
 And by some he was seen as a con man. Perhaps opportunistic or smart to have written a book teaching that anyone can become wealthy at the end of the depression. Gimmick or not, it seems to have worked for him. He died a multi-millionare in today's money. (Probably didn't hurt that one of his wives was a rich woman. :)
SUMMARY
This book's printing is a product of its time; references to The Great War, archaic technology, sexist suggestions abound.Updated versions are out there, which I have given as gifts prior to reading this classic. Now not sure I would have gifted, without reviewing... But I am glad to have read this semi-famous classic as I have heard of it most my life!
Unfortunately, I surmise the end result of all metaphysic power, influence, positive thinking, and prayer is all for the accumulation of wealth (definitely NOT biblical, but perhaps Ayn Rand-ish ;)
"Life is playing checkers with Time." And according to Hill, it's all about money!  :(

[Stephanie Weisgerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mind is blown away after reading Napoleon Hill's analysis of over 500 successful men who began with nothing to give in return for wealth except innovative thoughts and ideas. "Thoughts are Things" as he states over and over again. Hill outlines 13 principles toward aquiring riches and finishes his book by describing how we all base most decisions on 6 ghosts of fear and how to identify which fears rule us and eliminate them from our lives. This genius was born of the brain child of Andrew Carnegie who enlisted Napoleon Hill's help to research and create a formula for financial success over the course of 25 years of study. This book was his life's work. "The only limitation is that which one sets up in one's own mind."

[Yeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked this book out from the library, and now I must HAVE it. There were so many things I needed to know and want to explore.

[Ali Akbar Zaidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although, I read this book as an all time classic about self improvement and motivation. The book, even for one written in 1937, lays too much influence on money and money alone. The message of the book is fairly positive and motivating but the content seems out of place. Especially for a millennial in 2021.
The book is a list of thoughts and ideas that must nurtured to acquire great wealth. The author is deeply affected by poverty, since the book was written during the period of the great depression. Although, the book claims it studied businesses for 20 yrs, the content is based on exceptional cases like that of Ford, Edison and George Washington, which are incomparable to the masses.
Then, a large part of the book concentrates on subconscious power without ever touching the basic concepts of psychology. It is just built up motivation. Its the kind if pep talk that could convince a deer to hunt a lion.
The author talks about sixth sense and subconscious mind creating and affecting reality, which kind of sounds like, if wishes were horses, you would have horses. He states the obvious that desires or wishes must be backed by faith that they will come true.
Ive read many classics that created awe and feelings of grandeur, but this one has lost its relevance and over the top blowing up of psychological concepts.
If you want to read this book, do it only for its historical context not its self improvement potential.

[Zdenek Sykora · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Think & Grow Rich" and "The Law of Success" by Napoleon Hill are seminal works in the personal development genre, offering timeless principles on achieving success. These books have inspired millions since their publication, encapsulating Hill's extensive research and interviews with some of the most successful individuals of his time.

Hill's works are founded on the premise that success can be achieved through a specific mindset and systematic application of certain principles.

The main themes revolve around the power of positive thinking, the importance of a definite purpose, and the necessity of specialized knowledge. Hill emphasizes that success starts with a burning desire and is achieved through persistent effort and a clear, actionable plan. He also highlights the role of the subconscious mind and the power of collaboration through mastermind groups.

"Think & Grow Rich" and "The Law of Success" remain influential works that provide valuable insights into the mindset and habits necessary for achieving success. Despite some criticisms regarding their simplicity and the changing socio-economic landscape, Hill's principles of positive thinking, organized planning, and persistent effort are timeless. These books are highly recommended for anyone seeking to enhance their personal and professional lives through a disciplined approach to success.

[Richard Angelus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this book for the third time now. The first time was on 8th February 2010 and I was so excited to read it that I finished reading it on the 16th of February. I probably can read faster today than 8 years ago, but if I can finish a book in 9 days in the olden days, then surely that book was very interesting. And it is! I might be not as wealthy as I want to be (not yet) but in my mind, I’m a rich person!

This is not positive self-talk, this is matter-of-fact. Because of this book, I learned to treasure my mind: keep it, nurture it and filled it with great inspirations and positive mental attitude. There is a reason why this book was entitled ‘Think and Grow Rich’ and not ‘Act’ or ‘Do and Grow Rich,’ because wealth – may it be spiritually, financially, emotionally, physically and intellectually – is a state of mind. As the saying goes: “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” It all started in the mind.

To read my review of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich (first published in 1937), CLICK HERE: https://www.richardangelus.me/2018/12...

[Vin · Rating 5 out of 5]

20% conning and 80% relevant content.
Now 5 stars because this book is a test, to test what you understand, to test what you accept, to test what you reject, to test who you are, to test who you think you are.

Read the last chapter first- for me it was the 6 ghosts of fear. I repeat read the last chapter first.

Don't take everything to the heart the book says, since its a test, accept only what you think is appropriate, put everything else to back of your mind, the stuff if relevant will click when time arises and the click will hit you so hard that you will question your understanding of this book again.

Rest it is up to your will power and mindset on how things(life, relations, business, endeavours, goals) work, on how much you will achieve.

[Sharmila · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words to say about it. A wonderful book it's principles remain timeless, guiding countless individuals toward financial prosperity and personal transformation.

this book truly profound is its ability to reshape mindsets. It teaches readers to harness the power of belief, develop an unwavering focus on their goals, and overcome limitations through strategic thinking and action. The famous concept of a definite major purpose encourages individuals to align their thoughts and actions with their ambitions, setting the foundation for a fulfilling life.

For anyone seeking to elevate their life—financially, professionally, or personally—this is an indispensable guide. It is more than a book; it is a philosophy that, when applied, has the power to turn dreams into achievements.

[Sourabh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book which holds true today as equally as when it was first written. Like all self help book till we put it into practice nothing will change. Author stresses only on one point and which I believe is also single most contributor to success- clarity of what one want to achieve and then focusing all efforts towards its attainment.

Will definitely come back to it time and again to follow .. have a burning desire, coupled with faith, positive affirmations or self talk, ideas, imagination, organize, plan, decide, preserve, motivation, create a support group deciding what you give(contribute) and what you get, removing all fears from mind...

[Carle Aldrete · Rating 4 out of 5]

The power of autosuggestion and transmutation!!

Another book that I started reading and then put away for 6 or 7 years. It was written so long ago, just after the Great Depression so it's not very relatable but there is some step-by-step homework that I was supposed to do at the beginning of the book, a written statement, that I am to read and believe, that I have yet to do.

My favorite quote from the book, that I did write down and apply to all of my new year's resolutions or work projects, "Remember, too, that all who succeed in life get off to a bad start, and pass through many heartbreaking struggles before they "arrive.""

[Ayu Ambarini · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you want most? Money, Power, Self-satisfaction, Personality, Peace of Mind, or Happiness? The thirteen steps to wealth, outlined in this book, offer a philosophy of individual achievement, for people seeking a specific purpose in life.

The key to success lies within ourselves where we ourselves are the determinants of the way of life we ​​live. Have a synergy of will and belief which is a solid foundation of belief and will form a successful human being.

This book will lead us to remember when we experience a "failure" in our initial plan we need to revise and run the second plan and so on until we get a formulation that will actually work, we need to remember that none from successful people out there with "perfection" without even failing.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bunch of claptrap (and often racist, misogynistic, and ableist) from a scam artist who didn’t even meet Andrew Carnegie. I read it because it was on lists of bestselling American books from the 20th century and I hadn’t heard of it. I have trouble believing anyone could become rich following these steps—which includes list upon list upon list of action items. But you will be a little richer if you don’t buy this book!

[Asia Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I carry this book with me everywhere I go if I can. This book to me is close to my prayer book. Think Rich Grow Rich is a book that will guild you to the wealth of the mind, spirit and earthly things I love this book I always tell people to read it because if you want success this book will be simple with you with easy to follow directions.

[Hannah Sergelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can't reap what you didn't sow". The book emphasizes the importance of daily affirmations. Every great endeavor starts with cultivating the right thought followed by the right environment. Just trying to be a decent human being who just doesn't go through life unconsciously nor leads an unfulfilled life. Great book for personal development.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair I didn't realise this book solely focused on money making, which is silly considering the title.

Probably useful if you do want to make lots of money but I found it very dry and not to my taste.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing how a book has been tested through time. A lot has changed since Napoleon wrote this, but still extremely applicable. I learned a lot about myself through these pages. Will read again, in fact I will revisit certain chapters on a yearly basis.

Physical

[Rachel Dows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great ideas/motivation, but I knocked a star off for the controversy surrounding whether Hill actually met the people he claims to have gotten input from throughout the book.

Still worth a read if you’d like to be wealthy and/or successful.

[Sohaib Pervaiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me wonder how the world is still the same today as it was a hundred years back at the time of writing. Human mind and the problems have always been the same. A must read. Think Think Think and grow rich indeed.

[Maria Armena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things written in the book were somehow familiar to me, however it made me rethink my weaknesses, strength and potential. I loved the book and started to do the exercises written there. I hope it helped many people to achieve more success.

[Elizabeth R.O'Hanlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this and found parts to be informational, but i did think it dragged along in parts. I did highlight certain passages.

Happy reading :)

[Ewin · Rating 5 out of 5]

sangat memotivasi

[Nana Gyimah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational 👏

[Camilo Sanchez]

Excellent books and highly recommend for everyone to read.

[Sebastian Mierau · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books ever written.

[Wen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahead of its time.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best motivation books I had ever read. The principles taught in this book teach how to achieve one’s financial success, personal development, as well as spiritual perspectives.

[susan green · Rating 2 out of 5]

Preaching blathering rubbish

[Frances Mance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets better every time a read it!

[Kerry Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read

[Nola Tillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because its historic quality and role as one of the first financial self-help books made it one that was constantly referenced and recommended in other literature. While the work made several good points, it was difficult to get through primarily due to its format, which read like an excited ten year old on the internet for the FIRST TIME! Other issues had more to do with the time - both in terms of sexism and science.

The format was very typical of most self help works, filled with inspirational stories of the well known wealthy. The author constantly tried to upsell himself, which was aggravating. I've already got the book, I don't need five paragraphs every six pages telling me about its value. Not did I appreciate his clever way of making his audience read through the lines to determine the 'secret' his book was supposed to help the reader learn. Especially as we were constantly reminded to hang on every word. Finally, the frequent CAPITALIZATION made my poor little EYES BLEED.

Although I know it had scientific merit at the time, it was also difficult to take seriously the constant references to the ether. Slightly further, I'm not sure how much the serious-minded accepted that said ether could allow thoughts to pass between people...and then the psychics. There was, of course, the general sexist tone, given the post-Depression era.

That's not to say there weren't some interesting tidbits. Some of the anecdotes about Ford, Edison, and Carnegie would be interesting to verify. The post-Depression perspective was also interesting. Finally, there were several good points made about goal setting and achievement.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to anyone not interested from a historical perspective. It wasn't a total waste of time, but it did become painful to finish.