Themes

• The power of positive thinking

• Setting clear goals and developing a plan

• Persistence in the face of obstacles

• The importance of specialized knowledge

• Harnessing the power of the subconscious mind

• The value of collaboration and mastermind groups

• Taking decisive action to achieve success

Setting

Think and Grow Rich was written and published during the tumultuous era of the Great Depression in the United States. The book emerged in 1937, a time when millions of Americans were struggling with unemployment, poverty, and financial uncertainty. This setting provided a fertile ground for Hill's message of personal empowerment and wealth creation through positive thinking and self-improvement.

While the book doesn't focus on specific geographical locations, its principles were meant to be universally applicable across the United States. Hill's ideas were particularly resonant in urban centers and industrial hubs where individuals were seeking ways to recover from economic hardship and achieve financial success. The book's message spread from coast to coast, inspiring readers in bustling cities like New York and Chicago, as well as in smaller towns across America.

The broader context of Think and Grow Rich extends beyond the physical boundaries of the United States. Hill's philosophy was influenced by the success stories of prominent figures in American industry and finance, many of whom had built their fortunes during the rapid industrialization of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This historical backdrop of American capitalism and the “rags-to-riches” narrative played a crucial role in shaping the book's message and its appeal to readers seeking their own path to prosperity.

Key Figures

• Napoleon Hill: Author of the book and central figure. Hill spent over 20 years studying successful individuals to develop his philosophy of personal achievement. He claims to have been inspired by Andrew Carnegie to undertake this research. Hill's work became a cornerstone of the self-help genre, influencing millions of readers worldwide.

• Andrew Carnegie: Industrialist and philanthropist who allegedly inspired Hill to write the book. Carnegie is presented as a key mentor figure, though historical evidence of their relationship is disputed. His supposed advice to Hill forms the foundation of the book's principles.

• Thomas Edison: Famed inventor mentioned as one of the successful individuals Hill studied. Edison's persistence and innovative thinking are highlighted as examples of the book's principles in action.

• Henry Ford: Automotive pioneer cited as another success story. Ford's application of organized planning and specialized knowledge in revolutionizing the automobile industry is used to illustrate key concepts.

• Rosa Lee Beeland: Hill's third wife who contributed significantly to the writing and editing of the book. She later retained the royalties from Think and Grow Rich after their divorce.

• W. Clement Stone: Businessman and self-help author who collaborated with Hill on later works. Stone helped popularize Hill's ideas and contributed to the ongoing influence of Think and Grow Rich.

Quick facts

• The book was published in 1937 during the Great Depression as an antidote to hard times.

• Napoleon Hill's second wife, Rosa Lee Beeland, contributed substantially to the authoring and editing of the book.

• Hill claimed the book was inspired by a suggestion from Andrew Carnegie, but there's no evidence they ever met.

• The book outlines 13 principles for success, known as the “13 Steps to Riches."

• It has sold over 100 million copies worldwide since its publication.

• The original manuscript was reportedly burned by Hill's wife to protect it from potential theft.

• BusinessWeek magazine ranked it the sixth best-selling paperback business book 70 years after publication.

• The book has been translated into over 40 languages.

• Hill spent over 20 years researching successful individuals to develop the principles in the book.

• Despite its age, Think and Grow Rich remains one of the most popular self-help books of all time.

About the Author

Napoleon Hill was an influential American self-help author best known for his 1937 book Think and Grow Rich, which became one of the bestselling self-help books of all time. Born in poverty in Virginia in 1883, Hill began his writing career as a “mountain reporter” for small town newspapers at age 13. He went on to become a pioneer in the personal success literature genre, writing books that promoted his “Philosophy of Achievement” and principles for improving one's life.

Hill claimed his philosophy was inspired by a 1908 assignment to interview industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who challenged him to interview successful people and discover a formula for success. However, the authenticity of this meeting and many of Hill's other claims have been disputed by historians. Throughout his career, Hill was involved in various business ventures, some of which led to accusations of fraud and legal troubles.

Hill's writings emphasized the power of positive thinking, goal-setting, and visualization in achieving success. Hill asserted that fervid expectations and a “Definite Major Purpose” were essential to improving one's life. He also claimed to receive guidance from “unseen friends” and “spirit guides,” ideas he incorporated into some of his later works.

After Hill's death in 1970, his legacy has been carried on by the Napoleon Hill Foundation, which continues to promote his teachings and publish his works. While some view Hill as a pioneering motivational author, others criticize him as a controversial figure whose claims and methods were often questionable. Regardless, his influence on the self-help industry and popular concepts of personal achievement remains significant to this day.