John Templeton believes that his financial accomplishments are directly related to his strong convictions. Now he shares the secrets of his phenomenal success in twenty-one principles that provide readers with solid guidelines for prosperity and happiness.Templeton maintains that the common denominator connecting successful people with successful enterprises is a devotion to ethical and spiritual principles. He emphasizes the “laws of life”—truthfulness, perseverance, thrift, enthusiasm, humility, and altruism—that can help everyone discover and develop their individual abilities.A Giniger Book formerly published by Harper & Row in 1987
The 21 steps themselves are indeed necessary (if not sufficient) for personal success and real happiness, so this is a recommended read. However, the second half of the book is presented in a very religious form (lots of relevant passages from Christianity), sometimes directly suggesting the reader to be religious (as a prerequisite to success). This makes it harder to read for a non-religious person (or someone who doesn't follow Christianity), which is a shame since the core content of the book is relevant even without religion in the mix.
The solution to great wealth is to give. The solution to ignorance is to learn. And the solution to misunderstanding and negativism is to practice the art of loving. ~ John Mark Templeton ("The Templeton Plan", page 172-173)
John Marks Templeton shares 21 steps to personal success and real happiness. He acknowledges in his book that there are probably hundreds of steps to personal success; however, the 21 he expounds upon are ones that he has tried to put into practice in his own life.
I first heard about Sir Templeton in Tony Robbins’ book Money. Immediately, I was stunned by Sir Templeton’s humbleness and wisdom, which is why I decided to buy this book. The rules mentioned in it are amazing — I would even say they are crucial for living a successful life. Sir Templeton teaches us about the value of love and positivity combined with an unbreakable will to persevere. However, I have two minor points of criticism. Firstly, the fact that the book doesn’t use the first-person pronoun “I” made it feel a bit distant. I never really had the feeling that I was reading Sir Templeton’s personal words. Secondly, Sir Templeton focuses heavily on his bond with Christianity and Christianity in general, which certainly played a huge role in his life, and I fully respect that. However, it might not be as helpful for non-religious people or non-Christians.
Love this book!! Very well though out and written. Not your everyday self improvement book. One of my all time favorites because it gives your strategies to be successful and happy in so many important areas of your life not only finances. I would highly recommend the book and would say in my opinion it's a classic. I only wish I would have read it 10 years ago.
I found this book because of the wonderful work the Templeton Foundation is doing.
Here is a legendary investor and philanthropist whose mind was open and whose heart and soul was set on the highest good.
It's a short read and worth returning to every now and then. I found it highly interesting and inspiring to read Sir John's story and to understand the principles he used to succeed financially and as a human being. He posits that there are certain laws of life that tend to lead to success and personal happiness, such as "helping yourself by helping others", "putting first things first", "creating your own luck", "giving the extra ounce", "controlling your thoughts for effective action", "loving as the essential ingredient", and so on.
This book can be described as a memoir, a spiritual scripture, or even a text taught in an investment school. To me, this book is all of the above which also includes a blueprint on how to master one's life and as the title says - achieve personal happiness. A must read for everyone who wants to live a fulfilled life. Thank you for sharing this wonderful knowledge, experience, and wisdom with us Mr. Templeton!
I attended Templeton college and Said business school. All worthwhile. However, the book outshines the school. (And the school is a life changer) . The values of honesty, organic growth through learning, don't put things off, humanity,be humble, go the extra mile, play to your strengths and your word is your bond should never go out of date. ( The book is also a bit cheaper than the school).
I have read this book multiple times over the years. Each reading re-inspires me. John Templeton reveals the principles that produced a life of success that is worth emulating. To quote my dad, who gave me this book years ago, ‘if you read one step per day, in 21days you will have received some of the wisest advice you will every receive’.
Never like to read about stock investors due to personal preference but after reading about how John Templeton lived his life and how he use his money and setting up the John Templeton Foundation. It made me change my perception of stock investors and wish there's more people like him.
Excellent insight into life lessons and faith in God.
Templeton puts forth the most important characteristics that led to his success in life in a straight forward manner that can be emulated by anyone willing to put forth the effort to become their best version if themself.