The Smart Spin

#79 Summary of Think and Grow Rich: Principles of Financial Success by Napoleon Hill

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In this episode, we discuss Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Think and Grow Rich details Hill's 25-year research project involving over 500 wealthy individuals, outlining principles for achieving riches. The text emphasizes the importance of desire, faith, and organized planning, illustrated through anecdotes about Henry Ford and the creation of U.S. Steel. It also stresses the necessity of persistence, mastering procrastination, and overcoming fear of poverty. Finally, it explores opportunities in a capitalistic society and the effective marketing of personal services, contrasting success with failures rooted in a lack of ambition and decision.


Key Ideas and Supporting Quotes:

  • Burning Desire: Hill argues that an intense, all-consuming desire is the starting point for achieving riches. This is not a casual wish, but a deep-seated obsession that drives all actions.
  • “When a man really desires a thing so deeply that he is willing to stake his entire future on a single turn of the wheel in order to get it, he is sure to win." - Edison, as quoted by Hill
  • "Wishing will not bring riches. But desiring riches with a state of mind that becomes an obsession, then planning definite ways and means to acquire riches, and backing those plans with persistence which does not recognize failure, will bring riches."
  • Definiteness of Purpose: Hill stresses the importance of having a clear, specific goal in mind. Vague desires yield vague results.
  • “Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. It is not sufficient merely to say “I want plenty of money.” Be definite as to the amount."
  • Persistence and Faith: Overcoming temporary defeats and setbacks is crucial. Failure is simply a sign to adjust the plan, not to abandon the goal. Faith, in oneself and the power of desire, fuels persistence.
  • "Before success comes in any man's life, he's sure to meet with much temporary defeat and, perhaps, some failure. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and most logical thing to do is to quit. That is exactly what the majority of men do."
  • "Failure is a trickster with a keen sense of irony and cunning. It takes great delight in tripping one when success is almost within reach."
  • The Subconscious Mind: Hill introduces the concept of the subconscious mind as a powerful force that can be harnessed to achieve goals. By consistently feeding the subconscious with a burning desire, a clear vision, and unwavering faith, one can set in motion forces that manifest those desires into reality.
  • "The subconscious mind works day and night. Through a method or procedure unknown to man, the subconscious mind draws upon the forces of infinite intelligence for the power with which it voluntarily transmutes one's desires into their physical equivalent."
  • The Mastermind Principle: Collaboration and the exchange of ideas with a group of like-minded individuals amplify individual power and creativity.
  • "Power is essential for success in the accumulation of money...Organized effort is produced through the coordination of effort of two or more people who work toward a definite end in a spirit of harmony."

    • Other Notable Themes:

    • Importance of Imagination: Hill highlights the power of creative visualization and the ability to envision success as a key step in achieving it.
    • The Role of Sex Transmutation: While controversial, Hill proposes that redirecting sexual energy into creative and ambitious pursuits can fuel success.
    • Overcoming Fear: Identifying and conquering fears, particularly the fear of failure and poverty, is crucial for unlocking potential.

      • Overall, the excerpts from "Think and Grow Rich" emphasize a philosophy of self-belief, focused action, and unwavering determination as the pathway to success. By harnessing the power of desire, persistence, and the subconscious mind, Hill suggests that any individual can achieve their financial goals.



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