A perennial best seller and required reading within many sales organizations, Think and Grow Rich - published in 1937, attempts to encapsulate not just the techniques for business success, but the very essence of success both physical and metaphysical.
Napolean Hill, enlisted by the great steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, undertakes, over the course of 20 years a study of the worlds most successful entrepreneurs politicians and heads of state, analyzing what it was that set them apart and launched them to unbridled success and fortunes; How did they think, how did they speak, what sort of attitude did they have in common? Some of his findings like persistence, desire and having a plan will ring true with most people and will serve as a reminder of the things we already know.
However other theories like tapping into "Infinite Consciousness" and the forming of an imaginary "mastermind group" will require the reader to have an open mind.
And so it appears that Napolean Hill is addressing the more obvious methods for success and combining these with the unseen elements which we unwittingly experience everyday.
His statement that 'Thoughts are Things: was one which struck a chord as it's easy to see that every man made object that surrounds us first started in the mind of a designer who then decided to bring it into reality by taking certain steps; - A 'desire' to see the thought made physical - A 'plan' for bringing the thought into existence - 'Perseverance' in the realizing of that thought - 'Sex appeal' in selling the thought to others for the raising of capital Napolean calls this morphing of mind to reality 'Transmutation' - the changing of a thought into something physical for the betterment of mankind.
But he goes one step further and claims that everyone has the ability to manifest things they desire in the same way, whether that's making more money to live in a more comfortable home, drive a better car, or find a dream spouse.
But there is one other element to the book which remains mysterious and that is the notion that when we focus on a particular thought long enough and mix with that thought positive emotion, we somehow set in play metaphysical providence which sees to it that the thought or desire comes to pass.
And it's around this notion that the "essence" which he tries to articulate revolves.
While this may seem a little spooky to many, most people have experienced thinking about someone and then receiving a phone call from them shortly afterwards.
And it's this theory that Napolean sets out to introduce with each chapter setting the stage with familiar ideas in order to prepare us for the more exotic.
It's easy to see why this book is required reading as mentioned earlier and it's no surprise that it's sold tens of millions of copies as it gives a valuable insight into the minds of the super successful.