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Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" is not merely a book—it's an institution. Since its original publication in 1937, this timeless work has served as a beacon for countless individuals seeking to uncover the secrets of personal and financial success.
The culmination of Hill's extensive research and interviews with over 500 of the most affluent and influential individuals of his time, this seminal book aims to decode the intangible formula for prosperity. While the title may hint at material riches, the book delves deep into the realm of the mind, exploring the psychological and philosophical components of achievement.
In this review, we will not only dissect Hill's 13 principles of success but also critically examine their relevance and applicability in today's fast-paced, digital age. As we journey through each chapter, we aim to discern whether "Think and Grow Rich" still holds the power to inspire and transform, as it did almost a century ago.
But first… Who is Napoleon Hill and why should I care?
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Who is Napoleon Hill?
Napoleon Hill, born in 1883 in a one-room cabin in Virginia's Appalachian region, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the foremost authors on personal success and self-improvement. His journey to prominence was neither easy nor straightforward, marked by challenges, failures, and invaluable lessons, all of which shaped his philosophies.
Hill's path to understanding the secrets of success began with an assignment to interview the affluent industrialist Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest individuals of that era. Impressed by Hill's determination and questions, Carnegie presented him with a challenge: to devote 20 years to studying successful individuals, unravel the common threads in their ascent, and share these findings with the world, all without monetary compensation. Hill, fueled by a relentless desire to unlock the secrets of success, accepted.
Throughout the next two decades, Hill interviewed over 500 of the era's most successful individuals, including Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, and many others. These interactions formed the foundation for Hill's teachings and writings.

"Think and Grow Rich," Hill's most renowned work, encapsulated his findings and insights, translating them into actionable principles. But this book was only a fraction of his literary contributions. Hill authored several other books, courses, and lectures, all centered on the principles of success, positive thinking, and personal achievement.
Hill's influence wasn't limited to his written works. He also held various advisory roles, including a brief tenure as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Despite facing many personal and professional setbacks, Hill's commitment to understanding and disseminating the principles of success remained unwavering.
Throughout his life, Napoleon Hill championed the idea that success was accessible to anyone, irrespective of their starting point. His legacy, woven through his writings and teachings, underscores the belief in human potential, the power of mindset, and the transformative nature of persistence and determination.
Today, his philosophies continue to inspire and guide individuals worldwide, reaffirming his position as a pillar in the realm of personal development and achievement.
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Napoleon Hill's 13 Principles of Success
Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" distills the essence of success into 13 foundational principles. These tenets, derived from Hill's extensive study of the most successful individuals of his era, are designed to guide aspirants on a transformative journey towards personal and financial triumph. Before delving deeper into the nuances of the book, let's briefly encapsulate these guiding principles.
Desire
At the very foundation of Hill's doctrine is the principle of burning desire. It's not just about wanting success, but yearning for it with an intense passion. Hill argues that crystallizing and penning down our desires, specifically the amount of wealth we aim to accumulate, gives direction and purpose to our efforts.
Faith
Belief in oneself and the realization of one's desire are central to Hill's philosophy. Using techniques such as autosuggestion, he underscores the importance of instilling faith in our subconscious, which can pave the way for tangible results.
Autosuggestion
A method to influence the subconscious mind, autosuggestion revolves around self-affirmation. Regularly feeding one's mind with positive affirmations about one's goals can, over time, mold behavior, and actions to achieve those goals.
Specialized Knowledge
Hill suggests that continuous learning and seeking specialized knowledge, rather than general knowledge, propels individuals closer to their goals. It is this specialized knowledge, often sought after in the market, that becomes a valuable asset.
Related: Secrets of Success Review - Insider Look at Russell Brunson's New Movement
Imagination
Creativity and the power of imagination can craft opportunities and offer solutions where none seem to exist. Hill divides imagination into 'synthetic' and 'creative' categories, emphasizing its role in forming ideas and plans.
Organized Planning
Dreams and desires require structured plans to come to fruition. Hill stresses the need to carefully design and execute actionable strategies, continuously refining them until they yield the desired outcomes.
Decision
Procrastination is the enemy of success. Making prompt and definitive decisions, even in the face of fear and doubt, can set successful individuals apart from others.
Persistence
A crucial determinant of success, persistence is the resilience and tenacity to continue striving despite failures and setbacks. Hill believes that persistence, combined with other principles, can overcome almost any obstacle.
Power of the Master Mind
Aligning oneself with like-minded individuals or forming a group with a collective goal amplifies the chances of success. Such alliances, or master minds, foster an environment of encouragement, knowledge-sharing, and mutual growth.
The Mystery of Sex Transmutation
One of the more controversial principles, it deals with channeling sexual energy, a powerful human drive, into productive activities, creativity, and success-oriented endeavors.
The Brain
Hill delves into the concept that every human brain is a broadcasting and receiving station for thoughts. Through this principle, he touches on the idea of intangible stimuli and the influence of the brain in shaping one's reality.
The Subconscious Mind
Serving as a reservoir of thoughts, both positive and negative, the subconscious mind can be influenced by emotions. Feeding it with positive emotions and beliefs can lead to favorable outcomes in life.
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The Sixth Sense
Often referred to as intuition or gut feeling, the sixth sense is that inexplicable insight or hunch that guides individuals. While it's not something that can be summoned at will, it often comes unbidden, aiding in decision-making.
Napoleon Hill's principles are interwoven and complementary, each amplifying the other. Together, they paint a holistic portrait of the mindset and behaviors conducive to success.
While some principles may appear abstract or esoteric, their core essence is rooted in actionable and pragmatic strategies. Whether one views them as groundbreaking insights or foundational truths reiterated, their impact on personal development literature is undeniable.
Think and Grow Rich Review - Still Relevant?
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, characterized by rapid technological advancements, global connectivity, and a shift towards digital entrepreneurship, one might wonder: do the principles outlined in a book from the 1930s still hold water?
Desire & Faith in the Age of Instant Gratification: Today's digital world offers instant gratification at every click, swipe, or tap. Yet, Hill's emphasis on a burning desire and unwavering faith remains relevant. Success, whether in the analog or digital realm, demands a depth of passion and belief that transcends momentary satisfactions. True accomplishments stem from sustained efforts fueled by genuine desires.
Knowledge & Imagination in the Information Era: With the internet's vast reservoirs of information, one might argue that specialized knowledge has lost its value. However, the opposite is true. The ability to sift through copious amounts of data and extract valuable, specialized knowledge is more prized than ever. Coupled with imagination, it drives innovation in today's start-up culture, where creative solutions are the gold standard.
Organized Planning & Decision in the Gig Economy: The gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, requires meticulous planning and quick decision-making. Hill's emphasis on these principles is a testament to their timelessness, as they empower individuals to navigate the unpredictable waters of modern-day work dynamics.
Persistence & Master Mind in the Age of Collaboration: While the tools and platforms for collaboration have evolved, the principle remains unchanged. Persistence, paired with collaborative efforts, magnifies potential outcomes. Modern coworking spaces, online forums, and professional networks exemplify the 'Master Mind' concept, where collective intelligence and persistence pave the way for breakthroughs.
Transmutation, The Brain, and The Subconscious in Modern Psychology: Contemporary psychology and neuroscience continually affirm Hill's insights on the brain, subconscious, and even the somewhat contentious idea of sex transmutation. These principles highlight the untapped potentials of the human psyche and the power of harnessing emotions and instincts for productivity and innovation.
The Sixth Sense in a Data-driven World: Amidst a world that values data and analytics, the 'Sixth Sense' principle serves as a reminder of the invaluable nature of human intuition. As AI and machine learning surge ahead, there's a growing appreciation for intuitive decisions in areas where data might fall short.
While the world has seen tectonic shifts since the publication of "Think and Grow Rich," the core principles that Hill meticulously curated remain strikingly relevant. They resonate not because they offer shortcuts or easy fixes, but because they tap into the universal truths of human ambition, drive, and resilience. Their applicability across different epochs is a testament to their foundational significance in the realm of personal achievement and success.
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Think and Grow Rich PDF
Several websites are offering a free Think and Grow Rich PDF for digital download. While that is a great way to read Think and Grow Rich free, there's a better offer courtesy of Russell Brunson.
The Boise, Idaho based entrepreneur is passionate about personal development and has spent two years collecting rare books and manuscripts from the likes of Napoleon Hill and others of his era. He is today giving away a free copy of "Think and Grow Rich" along with two never released books by Napoleon Hill.
You can learn more about these free books here.
Think and Grow Rich Review
Is the book worth it? There's a reason this is the #1 selling personal development book of all time. Many of the contemporary motivational speakers and self-help books borrow heavily from Napoleon Hill and Think and Grow Rich.
This is a book you'll want - not just a Think and Grow Rich PDF that you can read on your laptop, but an actual physical copy that you can earmark pages, and keep for reference on a shelf. Think and Grow Rich is a classic. Get your copy today.