In the beginning of the 20th century Napoleon Hill did some extensive research on what made successful people different from failures. He worked together with 500 of the most successful men for over 20 years to discover their secrets. He then wrote the now popular book, "Think and Grow Rich" in which he presents his "principles of success". He says that success is practically guaranteed if you follow the principles.
Now my question to you knowledgeable forumers is: do you believe this or do you think it is nonsense? And why do you think this? (I am very curious!)
Originally posted by LordOfTheChessboardHow rich is he? Have you tried following the principles and are you rich?
In the beginning of the 20th century Napoleon Hill did some extensive research on what made successful people different from failures. He worked together with 500 of the most successful men for over 20 years to discover their secrets. He then wrote the now popular book, "Think and Grow Rich" in which he presents his "principles of success". He sa ...[text shortened]... believe this or do you think it is nonsense? And why do you think this? (I am very curious!)
Originally posted by twhiteheadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Hill
How rich is he? Have you tried following the principles and are you rich?
I am not sure but I believe he made some good money writing success literature. I have not tried the principles myself. But what do you think about it?
Do you need luck to get rich? As mentioned by sambo.
Or is it possible to mimic the greats, analyze how they did it and try to do the same?
I'd dispute whether being rich is the same as being great.
In any event, if you take a brief look at the number of copies of the book which were sold, and the number of rich people, it is clear that not everyone who bought the book became rich.
Also, not everyone who is rich got there as a result of this book.
Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that it is bollox.
Originally posted by RedmikeAs was stated, he studied 500 people who were successful prior to writing the book, and wrote based on characteristics found in those men. Obviously it is possible to develop the characteristics he writes about without having read the book, otherwise he would have had no basis for writing the book. Thus your point that many have become rich without using his book is irrelevant.
I'd dispute whether being rich is the same as being great.
In any event, if you take a brief look at the number of copies of the book which were sold, and the number of rich people, it is clear that not everyone who bought the book became rich.
Also, not everyone who is rich got there as a result of this book.
Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that it is bollox.
I can't say that I am familiar with the book, but I dare say that some of the characteristics of successful people are not easily adapted. Thus it is not the least bit of a stretch to believe that many who read the book did not adapt all characteristics the book teaches. Thus the fact that there were more books sold than rich people is also not relevant.
But I do agree with your point that greatness does not necessarily coincide with being rich.
Originally posted by LordOfTheChessboardI don't think there is any "Law" for success.
In the beginning of the 20th century Napoleon Hill did some extensive research on what made successful people different from failures. He worked together with 500 of the most successful men for over 20 years to discover their secrets. He then wrote the now popular book, "Think and Grow Rich" in which he presents his "principles of success". He sa ...[text shortened]... believe this or do you think it is nonsense? And why do you think this? (I am very curious!)
You are what you believe yourself to be.
The only obstacle in any persons success is themselves.
Originally posted by RedmikeThat's easy to understand though if you consider that not every person that buys the book will read the book. Not every person that reads the book will apply those principles to his life. Not every person who applies those principles to his life will have the capacity to understand the world around him.
I'd dispute whether being rich is the same as being great.
In any event, if you take a brief look at the number of copies of the book which were sold, and the number of rich people, it is clear that not everyone who bought the book became rich.
Also, not everyone who is rich got there as a result of this book.
Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that it is bollox.
I think books on success are normally crap as well, but your reasoning doesn't prove your point.
Originally posted by mokkoI agree with you that the only obstacle in any person's success is themselves. But doesn't that mean that there is a law of success? - Conquer yourself and become successful.
I don't think there is any "Law" for success.
You are what you believe yourself to be.
The only obstacle in any persons success is themselves.
It is possible for almost anyone to get considerably richer by following the right formula. However there are many issues to deal with. If you are not at least reasonably successfull already then maybe you are just not serious enough or clever enough to understand and follow his prescribed formulas.
Getting rich can also come at the expense of other things.