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Think and Grow RichTHINK and GROW RICHTeaching, for the first time, the famous Andrew Carnegieformula for money-making, based upon the THIRTEEN PROVENSTEPS TO RICHES.Organized through 25 years of research, in collaboration with more than500 distinguished men of great wealth, who proved by their ownachievements that this philosophy is practical.BYNAPOLEON HILLAuthor ofTHE LAW OF SUCCESSi
Napoleon HillPublished by THE RALSTON SOCIETY, Meriden, Conn.COPYRIGHT, 1937, BYNAPOLEON HILLAll Rights ReservedPrintings March, 1937.5000 CopiesMay, 1937.10,000 CopiesAugust, 1937.20,000 CopiesFebruary, 1938.20,000 CopiesThis book is a reproduction of the original 1937 version of Think andGrow Rich by Napoleon Hill, originally published by The Ralston Societyand now in the public domain. This edited edition, with forward by Dr.Robert C. Worstell, is not sponsored or endorsed by, or otherwiseaffiliated with, Napoleon Hill or his family and heirs, the Napoleon HillFoundation, The Ralston Society, or any other person or entity.ii
Think and Grow RichTable of ContentsForward. 1WHAT DO YOU WANT MOST? . 4TRIBUTES TO THE AUTHOR . 7PUBLISHER’S PREFACE . 11AUTHOR’S PREFACE . 14CHAPTER 1 . 22CHAPTER 2 . 42CHAPTER 3 . 67CHAPTER 4 . 92CHAPTER 5 . 101CHAPTER 6 . 119CHAPTER 7 . 138CHAPTER 8 . 190CHAPTER 9 . 205CHAPTER 10 . 227CHAPTER 11 . 237CHAPTER 12 . 264CHAPTER 13 . 274CHAPTER 14 . 282CHAPTER 15 . 296Additional Resources Available on http://stores.lulu.com/robertworstell. 340iii
Napoleon Hilliv
Think and Grow RichForwardOf the triumvirate of key self-help books in the 20th century,Napoleon Hill's classic Think and Grow Rich rocketed to the top of thebestseller lists in 1937 and has continued as a bestseller to the presentday. Think and Grow Rich has sold more than 30 million copies since1937.Born in 1883 in a two-room log cabin in Virginia's Blue RidgeMountains, Napoleon Hill worked as a newspaper reporter to finance hisway through Georgetown University Law School. The quality of hisreporting prompted Robert Taylor, a magazine publisher, to employ Hillto write a series of success stories of famous men, starting with AndrewCarnegie. Carnegie was so impressed from the interview that hecommissioned Hill to complete what would become a twenty-yearassignment - interviewing over 500 of the most successful men inAmerica in order to distill from their experiences a common successformula.Hill published his first interpretation of this individualachievement philosophy in 1928 as the multi-volume Law of Success,exactly twenty years after the Carnegie interview. Think and Grow Richwas a modern abridgment of that set, published with the purpose ofinspiring the nation to throw off the fears of the Great Depression.What he achieved was a landmark volume, one which has set thebar to measure all other self-help books against. Only two other bookshave achieved anywhere near this book's following: Wattle's Science ofGetting Rich, and Haanel's Master Key System.1
Napoleon HillHill described his efforts in an essay "You Can Work Your OwnMiracles":"For twenty odd years I was forced to struggle, in mastering theproblems incidental to my work in organizing the world's first practicalphilosophy of success. First, I was forced to struggle in preparing myselfwith the necessary knowledge to produce the philosophy. Secondly, I wasforced to struggle to maintain myself economically while doing theresearch necessary to organize the philosophy. Then I met with stillgreater necessity to struggle while gaining recognition from the world formyself and the philosophy."Twenty years of struggle without any direct financialcompensation is an experience not calculated to give one sustained hope,but it was the price I had to pay for a philosophy which was destined tobenefit untold numbers of people, many of whom were not born when Ibegan my work."Discouraging? Heartbreaking? Not at all, for I recognized fromthe beginning that out of my struggle would come triumph and victory inproportion to the labors invested in my task. In this hope I have notbeen disappointed, but I have been overwhelmed with the bountifulmanner in which the world has responded and paid me tribute for thelong years of struggle that went into my work."Also, I have gained from my struggle something of still greaterand more profound value. It is recognition that through my struggles Ihave reached deeply into the spiritual wells of my soul, and there I havefound powers available for every purpose I may desire - powers I neverknew I possessed, and never would have discovered except by the meansof struggle!2
Think and Grow Rich"From my experiences with struggle I discovered that the Creatornever singles out an individual for an important service to mankindwithout first testing him, through struggle, in proportion to the nature ofthe service he is to render. Thus, through struggle, I learned to interpretthe laws, purposes, and working plans of the Creator as they related tome and to mankind in general."And that is what makes Hill's work so important. Only two otherauthors of his century presented self-help students with a certain plan fortheir life to put it on a chosen track. This is what places Hill with Wattlesand Haanel in the triumverate of 20th century self-help classics. These allcover the same key points, and give the same answers to life's questions.Hill, in fact, credits Haanel with his success through a personal letteryears before Think and Grow Rich was written.Herewith, I bring you Think and Grow Rich, as it was written in1937. May all your efforts bring you just returns.Dr. Robert C. WorstellOctober 12, 20063
Napoleon HillWHAT DO YOU WANT MOST?Is It Money, Fame, Power,Contentment, Personality,Peace of Mind, Happiness?The Thirteen Steps to Riches described in this book offer theshortest dependable philosophy of individual achievement ever presentedfor the benefit of the man or woman who is searching for a definite goalin life.Before beginning the book you will profit greatly if you recognizethe fact that the book was not written to entertain. You cannot digest thecontents properly in a week or a month.After reading the book thoroughly, Dr. Miller Reese Hutchison,nationally known Consulting Engineer and long-time associate ofThomas A. Edison, said— “This is not a novel. It is a textbook onindividual achievement that came directly from the experiences ofhundreds of America’s most successful men. It should be studied,digested, and meditated upon. No more than one chapter should be readin a single night. The reader should underline the sentences whichimpress him most. Later, he should go back to these marked lines andread them again. A real student will not merely read this book, he willabsorb its contents and make them his own. This book should beadopted by all high schools and no boy or girl should be permitted tograduate without having satisfactorily passed an examination on it. Thisphilosophy will not take the place of the subjects taught in schools, but itwill enable one to organize and apply the knowledge acquired, and4
Think and Grow Richconvert it into useful service and adequate compensation without wasteof time.Dr. John R. Turner, Dean of the College of The City of NewYork, after having read the book, said— “The very best example of thesoundness of this philosophy is your own son, Blair, whose dramaticstory you have outlined in the chapter on Desire.”Dr. Turner had reference to the author’s son, who, born withoutnormal hearing capacity, not only avoided becoming a deaf mute, butactually converted his handicap into a priceless asset by applying thephilosophy here described. After reading the story, you will realize thatyou are about to come into possession of a philosophy which can betransmuted into material wealth, or serve as readily to bring you peace ofmind, understanding, spiritual harmony, and in some instances, as in thecase of the author’s son, it can. help you master physical affliction.The author discovered, through personally analyzing hundreds ofsuccessful men, that all of them followed the habit of exchanging ideas,through what is commonly called conferences. When they had problemsto be solved they sat down together and talked freely until theydiscovered, from their joint contribution of ideas, a plan that would servetheir purpose.You, who read this book, will get most out of it by putting intopractice the Master Mind principle described in the book. This you cando (as others are doing so successfully) by forming a study club,consisting of any desired number of people who are friendly andharmonious. The club should have a meeting at regular periods, as oftenas once each week. The procedure should consist of reading one chapterof the book at each meeting, after which the contents of the chaptershould be freely discussed by all members. Each member should makenotes, putting down ALL IDEAS OF HIS OWN inspired by thediscussion. Each member should carefully read and analyze each chapter5
Napoleon Hillseveral days prior to its open reading and joint discussion in the club.The reading at the club should be done by someone who reads well andunderstands how to put color and feeling into the lines.By following this plan every reader will get from its pages, notonly the sum total of the best knowledge organized from the experiencesof hundreds of successful men, but more important by far, he will tapnew sources of knowledge in his own mind as well as acquire knowledgeof priceless value FROM EVERY OTHER PERSON PRESENT.If you follow this plan persistently you will be almost certain touncover and appropriate the secret formula by which Andrew Carnegieacquired his huge fortune, as referred to in the author’s introduction.6
Think and Grow RichTRIBUTES TO THE AUTHORFrom Great American Leaders“THINK AND GROW RICH” was 25 years in the making. It isNapoleon Hill’s newest book, based upon his famous Law of SuccessPhilosophy. His work and writings have been praised by great leaders inFinance, Education, Politics, Government.Supreme Court of the United States Washington, D.C.Dear Mr. Hill:—I have now had an opportunity to finish reading your Law ofSuccess textbooks and I wish to express my appreciation of the splendidwork you have done in the organization of this philosophy.It would be helpful if every politician in the country wouldassimilate and apply the 17 principles upon which your lessons are based.It contains some very fine material which every leader in every walk oflife should understand.I am happy to have had the privilege of rendering you some slightmeasure of help in the organization of this splendid course of “commonsense” philosophy.Sincerely yours7
Napoleon Hill(Former President and former Chief Justice of the United States)KING OF THE 5 AND 10 CENT STORES“By applying many of the 17 fundamentals of the Law of Successphilosophy we have built a great chain of successful stores. I presume itwould be no exaggeration of fact if I said that the Woolworth Buildingmight properly be called a monument to the soundness of theseprinciples.”F. W. WOOLWORTHA GREAT STEAMSHIP MAGNATE“I feel greatly indebted for the privilege of reading your Law ofSuccess. If I had had this philosophy fifty years ago, I suppose I couldhave accomplished all that I have done in less than half the time. Isincerely hope the world will discover and reward you.”ROBERT DOLLARFAMOUS AMERICAN LABOR LEADER“Mastery of the Law of Success philosophy is the equivalent ofan insurance policy against failure.”8
Think and Grow RichSAMUEL GOMPERSA FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES“May I not congratulate you on your persistence. Any man whodevotes that much time . . .must of necessity make discoveries of great value to others. 1 amdeeply impressed by your interpretation of the ‘Master Mind’ principleswhich you have so clearly described.”WOODROW WILSONA MERCHANT PRINCE“I know that your 17 fundamentals of success are sound becauseI have been applying them in my business for more than 30 years.”JOHN WANAMAKERWORLD’S LARGEST MAKER OF CAMERAS“I know that you are doing a world of good with your Law ofSuccess. I would not care to set a monetary value on this training becauseit brings to the student qualities which cannot be measured by money,alone.”9
Napoleon HillGEORGE EASTMANA NATIONALLY KNOWN BUSINESS CHIEF“Whatever success I may have attained I owe, entirely, to theapplication of your 17 fundamental principles of the Law of Success. Ibelieve I have the honor of being your first student.”WM. WRIGLEY, JR.10
Think and Grow RichPUBLISHER’S PREFACETHIS book conveys the experience of more than 500 men ofgreat wealth, who began at scratch, with nothing to give in return forriches except THOUGHTS, IDEAS and ORGANIZED PLANS.Here you have the entire philosophy of moneymaking, just as itwas organized from the actual achievements of the most successful menknown to the American people during the past fifty years. It describesWHAT TO DO, also, HOW TO DO IT!It presents complete instructions on HOW TO SELL YOURPERSONAL SERVICES.It provides you with a perfect system of self-analysis that willreadily disclose what has been standing between you and “the bigmoney” in the past.It describes the famous Andrew Carnegie formula of personalachievement by which he accumulated hundreds of millions of dollars forhimself and made no fewer than a score of millionaires of men to whomhe taught his secret.Perhaps you do not need all that is to be found in the book— noone of the 500 men from whose experiences it was written did— but youmay need ONE IDEA, PLAN OR SUGGESTION to start you towardyour goal. Somewhere in the book you will find this needed stimulus.11
Napoleon HillThe book was inspired by Andrew Carnegie, after he had madehis millions and retired. It was written by the man to whom Carnegiedisclosed the astounding secret of his riches—the same man to whomthe 500 wealthy men revealed the source of their riches.In this volume will be found the thirteen principles ofmoneymaking essential to every person who accumulates sufficientmoney to guarantee financial independence. It is estimated that theresearch which went into the preparation, before the book was written,or could be written—research covering more than twenty-five years ofcontinuous effort—could not be duplicated at a cost of less than 100,000.00.Moreover, the knowledge contained in the book never can beduplicated, at any cost, for the reason that more than half of the 500 menwho supplied the information it brings have passed on.Riches cannot always be measured in money!Money and material things are essential for freedom of body andmind, but there are some who will feel that the greatest of all riches canbe evaluated only in terms of lasting friendships, harmonious familyrelationships, sympathy and understanding between business associates,and introspective harmony which brings one peace of mind measurableonly in spiritual values!All who read, understand and apply this philosophy will be betterprepared to attract and enjoy these higher estates which always have beenand always will be denied to all except those who are ready for them.Be prepared, therefore, when you expose yourself to theinfluence of this philosophy, to experience a CHANGED LIFE whichmay help you not only to negotiate your way through life with harmony12
Think and Grow Richand understanding, but also to prepare you for the accumulation ofmaterial riches in abundance.THE PUBLISHER.13
Napoleon HillAUTHOR’S PREFACEIN EVERY chapter of this book, mention has been made of themoney-making secret which has made fortunes for more than fivehundred exceedingly wealthy men whom I have carefully analyzed over along period of years.The secret was brought to my attention by Andrew Carnegie,more than a quarter of a century ago. The canny, lovable old Scotsmancarelessly tossed it into my mind, when I was but a boy. Then he sat backin his chair, with a merry twinkle in his eyes, and watched carefully to seeif I had brains enough to understand the full significance of what he hadsaid to me.When he saw that I had grasped the idea, he asked if I would bewilling to spend twenty years or more, preparing myself to take it to theworld, to men and women who, without the secret, might go through lifeas failures. I said I would, and with Mr. Carnegie’s cooperation, I havekept my promise.This book contains the secret, after having been put to a practicaltest by thousands of people, in almost every walk of life. It was Mr.Carnegie’s idea that the magic formula, which gave him a stupendousfortune, ought to be placed within reach of people who do not have timeto investigate how men make money, and it was his hope that I mighttest and demonstrate the soundness of the formula through theexperience of men and women in every calling. He believed the formulashould be taught in all public schools and colleges, and expressed theopinion that if it were properly taught it would so revolutionize the entire14
Think and Grow Richeducational system that the time spent in school could be reduced to lessthan half.His experience with Charles M. Schwab, and other young men ofMr. Schwab’s type, convinced Mr. Carnegie that much of that which istaught in the schools is of no value whatsoever in connection with thebusiness of earning a living or accumulating riches. He had arrived at thisdecision, because he had taken into his business one young man afteranother, many of them with but little schooling, and by coaching them inthe use of this formula, developed in them rare leadership. Moreover, hiscoaching made fortunes for everyone of them who followed hisinstructions.In the chapter on Faith, you will read the astounding story of theorganization of the giant United States Steel Corporation, as it wasconceived and carried out by one of the young men through whom Mr.Carnegie proved that his formula will work for all who are ready for it.This single application of the secret, by that young man—Charles M.Schwab—made him a huge fortune in both money andOPPORTUNITY. Roughly speaking, this particular application of theformula was worth six hundred million dollars.These facts-and they are facts well known to almost everyonewho knew Mr. Carnegie—give you a fair idea of what the reading of thisbook may bring to you, provided you KNOW WHAT IT IS THATYOU WANT.Even before it had undergone twenty years of practical testing,the secret was passed on to more than one hundred thousand men andwomen who have used it for their personal benefit, as Mr. Carnegieplanned that they should. Some have made fortunes with it. Others haveused it successfully in creating harmony in their homes. A clergymanused it so effectively that it brought him an income of upwards of 75,000.00 a year.15
Napoleon HillArthur Nash, a Cincinnati tailor, used his near-bankrupt businessas a “guinea pig” on which to test the formula. The business came to lifeand made a fortune for its owners. It is still thriving, although Mr. Nashhas gone. The experiment was so unique that newspapers and magazines,gave it more than a million dollars’ worth of laudatory publicity.The secret was passed on to Stuart Austin Wier, of Dallas, Texas.He was ready for it—so ready that he gave up his profession and studiedlaw. Did he succeed? That story is told too.I gave the secret to Jennings Randolph, the day he graduatedfrom College, and he has used it so successfully that he is now serving histhird term as a Member of Congress, with an excellent opportunity tokeep on using it until it carries him to the White House.While serving as Advertising Manager of the La-Salle ExtensionUniversity, when it was little more than a name, I had the privilege ofseeing J. G. Chapline, President of the University, use the formula soeffectively that he has since made the LaSalle one of the great extensionschools of the country.The secret to which I refer has been mentioned no fewer than ahundred times, throughout this book. It has not been directly named, forit seems to work more successfully when it is merely uncovered and leftin sight, where THOSE WHO ARE READY, and SEARCHING FORIT, may pick it up. That is why Mr. Carnegie tossed it to me so quietly,without giving me its specific name.If you are READY to put it to use, you will recognize this secretat least once in every chapter. I wish I might feel privileged to tell youhow you will know if you are ready, but that would deprive you of much16
Think and Grow Richof the benefit you will receive when you make the discovery in your ownway.While this book was being written, my own son, who was thenfinishing the last year of his college work, picked up the manuscript ofchapter two, read it, and discovered the secret for himself. He used theinformation so effectively that he went directly into a responsibleposition at a beginning salary greater than the average man ever earns.His story has been briefly described in chapter two. When you read it,perhaps you will dismiss any feeling you may have had, at the beginningof the book, that it promised too much. And, too, if you have ever beendiscouraged, if you have had difficulties to surmount which took the verysoul out of you, if you have tried and failed, if you were ever handicappedby illness or physical affliction, this story of my son’s discovery and useof the Carnegie formula may prove to be the oasis in the Desert of LostHope, for which you have been searching.This secret was extensively used by President Woodrow Wilson,during the World War. It was passed on to every soldier who fought inthe war, carefully wrapped in the training received before going to thefront. President Wilson told me it was a strong factor in raising the fundsneeded for the war.More than twenty years ago, Hon. Manuel L. Quezon (thenResident Commissioner of the Philippine Islands), was inspired by thesecret to gain freedom for his people. He has gained freedom for thePhilippines, and is the first President of the free state.A peculiar thing about this secret is that those who once acquireit and use it, find themselves literally swept on to success, with but littleeffort, and they never again submit to failure! If you doubt this, study thenames of those who have used it, wherever they have been mentioned,check their records for yourself, and be convinced.17
Napoleon HillThere is no such thing as SOMETHING FOR NOTHING!The secret to which I refer cannot be had without a price,although the price is far less than its value. It cannot be had at any priceby those who are not intentionally searching for it. It cannotbe given away, it cannot be purchased for money, for the reasonthat it comes in two parts. One part is already in possession of those whoare ready for it.The secret serves equally well, all who are ready for it. Educationhas nothing to do with it. Long before I was born, the secret had foundits way into the possession of Thomas A. Edison, and he used it sointelligently that he became the world’s leading inventor, although he hadbut three months of schooling.The secret was passed on to a business associate of Mr. Edison.He used it so effectively that, although he was then making only 12,000a year, he accumulated a great fortune, and retired from active businesswhile still a young man. You will find his story at the beginning of thefirst chapter. It should convince you that riches are not beyond yourreach, that you can still be what you wish to be, that money, fame,recognition and happiness can be had by all who are ready anddetermined to have these blessings.How do I know these things? You should have the answer beforeyou finish this book. You may find it in the very first chapter, or on thelast page.While I was performing the twenty year task of research, which Ihad undertaken at Mr. Carnegie’s request, I analyzed hundreds of wellknown men, many of whom admitted that they had accumulated theirvast fortunes through the aid of the Carnegie secret; among these menwere: —18
Think and Grow RichHENRY FORDWILLIAM WRIGLEY JR.JOHN WANAMAKERJAMES J. HILLGEORGE S. PARKERE. M. STATLER HENRYL. DOHERTY CYRUSH. K. CURTISGEORGE EASTMANTHEODORE ROOSEVELTJOHN W. DAVISELBERT HUBBARDWILBUR WRIGHTWILLIAM JENNINGS BRYANDR. STARR JORDANJ. ODGEN ARMOURCHARLES M. SCHWABHARRIS F. WILLIAMSDR. FRANK GUNSAULUS DANIEL WILLARDKING GILLETTERALPH A. WEEKSJUDGE DANIEL T. WRIGHTJOHN D. ROCKEFELLERTHOMAS A. EDISONFRANK A. VANDERLIPF. W. WOOLWORTHCOL. ROBERT A. DOLLAREDWARD A. FILENEEDWIN C. BARNESARTHUR BRISBANEWOODROW WILSONWM. HOWARD TAFTLUTHER BURBANKEDWARD W. BOKFRANK A. MUNSEYELBERT H. GARY DR. ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELLJOHN H. PATTERSONJULIUS ROSENWALDSTUART AUSTIN WIER DR. FRANK CRANEGEORGE M. ALEXANDERJ. G. CHAPPLINEHON. JENNINGS RANDOLPH ARTHUR NASHCLARENCE DARROWThese names represent but a small fraction of the hundreds ofwell known Americans whose achievements, financially and otherwise,prove that those who understand and apply the Carnegie secret, reachhigh stations in life. I have never known anyone who was inspired to usethe secret, who did not achieve noteworthy success in his chosen calling.I have never known any person to distinguish himself, or to accumulateriches of any consequence, without possession of the secret. From thesetwo facts I draw the conclusion that the secret is more important, as apart of the knowledge essential for self-determination, than any whichone receives through what is popularly known as “education.”19
Napoleon HillWhat is EDUCATION, anyway? This has been answered in fulldetail.As far as schooling is concerned, many of these men had verylittle. John Wanamaker once told me that what little schooling he had, heacquired in very much the same manner as a modern locomotive takeson water, by “scooping it up as it runs.” Henry Ford never reached highschool, let alone college. I am not attempting to minimize the value ofschooling, but I am trying to express my earnest belief that those whomaster and apply the secret will reach high stations, accumulate riches,and bargain with life on their own terms, even if their schooling has beenmeager.Somewhere, as you read, the secret to which I refer will jumpfrom the page and stand boldly before you, IF YOU ARE READY FORIT! When it appears, you will recognize it. Whether you receive the signin the first or the last chapter, stop for a moment when it presents itself,and turn down a glass, for that occasion will mark the most importantturning-point of your life.We pass now, to Chapter One, and to the story of my very dearfriend, who has generously acknowledged having seen the mystic sign,and whose business achievements are evidence enough that he turneddown a glass. As you read his story, and the others, remember that theydeal with the important problems of life, such as all men experience.The problems arising from one’s endeavor to earn a living, tofind hope, courage, contentment and peace of mind; to accumulate richesand to enjoy freedom of body and spirit.Remember, too, as you go through the book, that it deals withfacts and not with fiction, its purpose being to convey a great universaltruth through which all who are READY may learn, not only WHAT TO20
Think and Grow RichDO, BUT ALSO HOW TO DO IT! and receive, as well, THENEEDED STIMULUS TO MAKE A START.As a final word of preparation, before you begin the first chapter,may I offer one brief suggestion which may provide a clue by which theCarnegie secret may be recognized? It is this—ALL ACHIEVEMENT,ALL EARNED RICHES, HAVE THEIR BEGINNING IN ANIDEA! If you are ready for the secret, you already possess one half of it,therefore, you will readily recognize the other half the moment it reachesyour mind.THE AUTHOR21
Napoleon HillCHAPTER 1INTRODUCTIONTHE MAN WHO “THOUGHT” HIS WAYINTO PARTNERSHIP WITH THOMAS A. EDISONTRULY, “thoughts are things,” and powerful things at that, whenthey are mixed with definiteness of purpose, persistence, and aBURNING DESIRE for their translation into riches, or other materialobjects.
Think and Grow Rich Forward Of the triumvirate of key self-help books in the 20th century, Napoleon Hill's classic Think and Grow Rich rocketed to the top of the bestseller lists in 1937 and has continued as a bestseller to the present day. Think and Grow Rich has sold more than 30 million copies since 1937.
