Think and Grow Rich: The Original Classic (Capstone Classics)

Those who have read one or more of the volumes that comprise Tom Butler-Bowdon's "50 Classics" series already know that he possesses superior reasoning and writing skills as well as a relentless curiosity when conducting research on history's greatest thinkers and their major works. For these and other reasons, I cannot think of another person better qualified to provide the introductions to the volumes that comprise a new series, "Capstone Classics." Think and Grow Rich was based on two decades of research conducted by Napoleon Hill (concluded in 1928) after being retained by Andrew Carnegie to complete an analysis of 500 of the most successful people in the United States and elsewhere. The title of his original report, "Laws of Success," consisted of 1,500 pages in a series of seven volumes, in which Hill lists and discusses 17 "principles of achievement." It is worth noting that this volume in the "Capstone Classics" series also contains both the "Publisher's Preface to Original Edition" and the "Author's Introduction to the Original Edition" (published in 1937) and a list of those interviewed by Napoleon Hill over a 20-year period. Unlike so many others, Butler-Bowdon provides more, much more than a flimsy "briefing" to the given work. For this volume, he creates a context, a frame-of-reference, for Napoleon Hill's insights in a 16-page introduction in which he addresses subjects, themes, and issues such as these: o A brief but remarkably insightful review of pertinent details in Hill's circumstances when retained by Carnegie o His magazine ventures, notably Hill's Golden Rule and Napoleon Hill's Magazine o Hill's DRAFT of a book, The 13 Steps to Riches, based on material introduced in "Laws of Success" o Original title of DRAFT was changed to Use Your Noodle to Win More Boodle and then, final, to Think and Grow Rich o Hill's "four clear elements of success" (i.e. desire, faith, plans, and persistence) o The moral and spiritual foundation of Think and Grow Rich o 31 reasons why people fail o The self-defeating aspects of personality that many (most?) people do not recognize So what is "The "Supreme Secret" of success revealed by Hill in a later work, Grow Rich with Peace of Mind, published in 1967, three years before his death? "Anything the human mind can believe, the human mind can achieve." Although it may now be fashionable to dismiss (often with ridicule) all such aphorisms, the fact remains that every success in life does indeed require an idea, an insight, that someone then makes a reality. Thomas Edison was right: "Vision without execution is hallucination" but execution without purpose is merely effort without value. As Butler-Bowdon suggests, "Hill was saying that there were [begin italics] no limits [end italics] to what a person can do [unless self-imposed], and history has proved it so thousands of times with the stories of any remarkable person." As indicated earlier, Tom Butler-Bowdon's purpose in this introduction is to create a context, a frame-of-reference, for Hill's insights. He does so brilliantly in this instance and in each of the other volumes in the Capstone Classics series that have been published thus far.

I have read a lot of leadership, personal development books and courses and gained a lot of insights about how to develop oneself and the personal environment - private and business. Yet, there was always some depth missing. N. Hill manages to show the complexity which makes success and boils it down to 13 principles, which - by concequent and balanced application - lead you to your personal goals, whatever they are. In my perspective it firstly is written to accumulate richess in terms of financial wealth, but can in the same time also be applied for goals generating richess in another, probably more extent sense. The book provides in-depths and condensed insights from profound studies over a period of 25 years, which makes it so precious. And for those, who might argue the book is outdated: Wrong assumption; there are principles which are everlasting as they apply for mankind in general. As an example, Hill refers to the corrupt banking industry after the financial crisis and the great depression in the 1930th of the 20th century, to demonstrate wrong application of the principles. What he describes in that context ist equally if not even more applicable nowadays. Hence, cycles repeat over time, as driven by mankind. It is a profound masterpiece, not only providing hope in times of economic crisis around the globe for those who are willing to make a positive impact, but also showing the way there. Markus Hammer

The text is the same across any platform, which is excellent, however this copy was made with a durable cover, very soft but thick pages of premium paper, and the binding is excellent. The pages dont bleed through to the other side when marked with a highlighter and the entire book has a feel of quality when you handle it, print is very easy on the eyes but not too big. Well worth my hard earned money.

This book is really amazing! Read this book, you will not regret it! Author really elaborates on what it takes to be successful. He has written a very well planned systematic way of doing it in this book too. This book inspires people who have the burning desire but do not know how to put it into action or even know where to begin. It teaches individuals who are burned out or give up to discipline themselves to keep pushing harder to finish their goal. Of course the book has examples of Henry Ford with the automobile and Andrew Carnegie with the steel industry but the same idea can be applied to anything. It is all about setting yourself up a goal of where you want to be in life and then use creativity with determination to achieve it. The book also gives you a systematic way of how to discipline yourself. All you need really is the burning desire, a goal in your life, and read this book and the Bible, faith, creativity, self-discipline, and determination to achieve your life desires.

a great book for sure

This book was introduced to me more than 30 years ago and EVERY time I read it and follow the instructions, like reading my statement before I go to bed and first thing in the morning, something huge and almost miraculous happens! It has to do with how it changes your mindset and you really do attract more of what you're focused on! I've given over 100 away as a gift because I know it works! Don't listen to me, try it for yourself. I'm telling you, it will change your life! Blessings to all who see this!

Some good nuggets of info, but its buried and difficult to pull out. You can probably find the same info better organized, but it's a classic. Highly motivational, but I think it could be more motivational if it was more organized and to the point. I did enjoy the read, but wouldn't read it again as the author suggests. I'd rather read a re-hash of someone who can put it together better. I'm shocked that he claims he took so long to write it because its actually poorly written. Just good info.

I first became aware of this book whilst listening to the audio-book of 'Millionaire Upgrade' by Richard Parkes Cordock. I was reluctant to purchase it however because of the poor reviews of the paperback version, which claimed that the text was of poor quality, amongst other things. The first thing I will state is that this book is of the finest quality, you need not worry about its tangible condition, or indeed the quality of the information itself. The book contains an introduction by Tom Butler-Bowden (whose book 50 Self-Help Classics I intend to buy), which was very helpful, and it also contains the original text of 'Think And Grow Rich', which went out of copyright. It is pointed out that Napoleon Hill produced a revised, copyrighted edition, in 1960, however 'it is an abridgement which cuts out some of the interesting details in the original...' As for the book itself and its content, I believe it to be the most important book I have ever read. I've read a few self-help books but none have touched me in the way that this has. As a Graduate, currently working in a minimum wage job, I feel like my life has lost its direction a bit and that I've been wandering aimlessly, but after reading the principles, in 'Think And Grow Rich', I believe that I can go now get my life back on track and I can make some positive plans for the future. This won't happen overnight nor after reading the book only once, it will require daily application and persistence, and I suspect that my copy of 'Think And Grow Rich' will some become dog-eared from repetitive use! It's going to become my new handbook to living. Having read other self-help books, I was already familiar with some of the principles, such as 'persistence' however there was quite alot of new material in 'Think And Grow Rich' which I was previously unfamiliar with. The Chapter on 'The Mystery of Sex Transmutation' was particularly interesting, as were the Chapters on 'Auto-Suggestion' and 'How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear.' The Author is clearly qualified having spent over 20 years of his life researching successful people and his work is endorsed by many distinguished figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison and many many others. One thing I found particularly interesting about the book, is that it was written at a time or not longer after, the Great Depression caused by the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Considering the recession we currently face, the book provides alot of hope: 'The "depression" was a blessing in disguise. It reduced the whole world to a new starting point that gives every one a new opportunity.' It is cited as the Greatest Motivational Book of all time, on the back cover, and I would have to agree that it is certainly the most motivational I have ever read. The author's enthusiasm leaps out of the pages and you can't help but be inspired. The book requires alot of self-analysis and asks many probing questions, which really makes you think. I've read the book from cover to cover to get a feel for it but it's one I will be returning to again and again and studying in-depth. I shall conclude my review as the Ralston Society conclude the book: 'No matter whether you are rich or poor-you have one asset as great as the richest man living-and that is time. But with each setting sun you become one day older; and have one day less in which to attain the success and wealth you desire....' Why wait any longer? The investment of money in this book is well worth it, but remember that you also have to invest much time and committment, in applying the principles to your life as well.

The ideas in the book do have some merit to them but it’s disturbingly repetitive, same things are mentioned over and over again. The author could have given the reader the exact same value with a book that’s half as thick.

The book arrived earlier than promised. The quality and the binding are excellent and the pink color, OMG this is so amazing. The print is just a little too small for my aging eyes but that will be solved with reading glasses and I prefer the printed book to the electronic version. Nothing more to add about the book content. It is simply a classic and should be taught in each school. I have read it several years ago and wanted to have a paper format

Not just about money — this book teaches powerful success principles like focus, belief, and persistence. Simple ideas but very impactful if you apply them. A bit old-fashioned writing, but the lessons are timeless. Worth reading for anyone who wants to grow in life.

Think and Grow Rich is a transformative masterpiece that reshaped my approach to success. Napoleon Hill’s 13-step program, distilled from interviews with America’s most successful figures, is as relevant today as it was in 1937. The book’s core idea—that thoughts, fueled by desire, faith, and persistence, can manifest tangible results—ignited a shift in my mindset. Hill’s emphasis on definiteness of purpose and the power of the subconscious mind inspired me to set clearer goals and pursue them relentlessly. His insights on overcoming fear and building a “mastermind” group of supportive allies are practical and actionable, making this more than just motivational rhetoric. The engaging anecdotes, like those of Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford, bring the principles to life, while Tom Butler-Bowdon’s introduction adds valuable context. Whether I’m planning a career move or tackling personal challenges, this book’s wisdom guides me. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking wealth, purpose, or personal growth—truly exceptional!