Think and Grow Rich is considered by many to be one of the most important motivational texts ever written. Written by Napoleon Hill and inspired by Andrew Carnegie, it was released in 1937 at the end of the Great Depression. The text itself was based on Hill's earlier work The Law of Success, which was the result of over twenty years research based on Hill's close association with a large number of men who managed to achieve great wealth during the course of their lifetimes.

Napoleon Hill studied the characteristics of these great achievers, and as a result developed fifteen 'laws' that he hoped could be applied by anybody to achieve success. Think and Grow Rich itself condenses these laws further, and provides the reader with 13 principles in the form of a philosophy.

Reflected in these principles is the importance of cultivating a burning desire, faith, autosuggestion and persistence in the attainment of one's goals. Hill also discusses the importance of overcoming many of the most common fears that can adversely affect one's thinking and potential.

Critics of the book refer to the spiritual context of a lot of the writings, as well as the obviously dated examples and the fact that many of the principles are in fact no more than common-sense. However, it cannot be denied that the work itself has influenced many people, and still sells many copies. According to the publisher the book has now sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

Quote

"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill