Book Review: The Law of Success

“The Law of Success” is a self-help book written by Napoleon Hill. It was originally published in 1928 as a multi-volume series and later condensed into a single book. It is one of the most amazing self-development books in history.

The book explores the principles of success and achievement, drawing upon interviews and case studies of successful people of the time, including Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison. Hill emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, a clear vision, persistence, and other traits that are key to achieving success in various areas of life, including business, finance, and personal relationships.

Some of the key concepts discussed in “The Law of Success” include the power of imagination, the importance of self-discipline, the benefits of developing a positive mental attitude, the value of persistence, and the need for a definite plan of action.

The book has been widely influential and has inspired many other self-help books and personal development programs. It is still widely read and regarded as a classic in the field of personal success literature.

Historic Background

In 1928, the world was in the impasse between the two Great Wars, a time of relative peace and stability following the end of World War I in 1918. The global economy was booming, with many countries experiencing unprecedented growth and prosperity. However, this period of economic expansion was also marked by growing inequality, both within countries and between nations.

In Europe, the rise of fascist and authoritarian regimes was beginning to threaten the fragile peace that had been established after World War I. In Germany, the Nazi Party was gaining strength under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, while in Italy, Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime had been in power since 1922.

In the United States, the “Roaring Twenties” were in full swing, marked by a period of cultural and social change, technological innovation, and economic growth. This decade saw the rise of consumer culture, with new products and technologies becoming widely available, such as automobiles, radios, and refrigerators. However, this period of prosperity was also marked by growing income inequality, as well as the stock market crash of 1929, which would eventually lead to the Great Depression.

In other parts of the world, colonialism and imperialism were still prevalent, with many countries still under the rule of foreign powers. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union was emerging as a major world power under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, implementing policies of rapid industrialization under the Socialist model.

The Master Mind and the Infinite Intelligence

The Master Mind is a foundational concept of this book. It refers to the idea that two or more people working together in a spirit of harmony and cooperation can achieve greater results than any one person working alone.

But the Master Mind is not simply a group of people working together, but rather a collective consciousness or “third mind” that emerges when individuals work together in harmony towards a common goal. This collective consciousness is said to have a greater intelligence and power than any one individual could possess on their own.

To create a Master Mind group, Hill advises selecting a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, who share a common goal or purpose. The group should meet regularly, share ideas and knowledge, and work together towards their common goal.

Hill believes that the Master Mind principle is a key factor in the success of many great leaders and innovators throughout history, from Andrew Carnegie to Thomas Edison. He suggests that by harnessing the power of the Master Mind, individuals can achieve success and achieve their goals more quickly and effectively than they could on their own.

The author believed that the Infinite Intelligence is a form of energy that permeates the universe and is accessible to all individuals who learn how to tap into it. He believed that this energy is responsible for creating and sustaining all forms of life and that individuals can harness this energy to achieve success in their personal and professional lives.

He also believed that the human mind has immense power and that individuals can use their minds to shape their reality and achieve their goals. He emphasized the importance of developing a positive mental attitude, focusing on one’s goals and dreams, and using the power of the mind to visualize and manifest success.

Investment and Development

Hill suggested a simple formula for dividing one’s salary, which he refers to as the “Thirty Percent Rule.” According to this, individuals should divide their salary into three parts:

1. The first 10% should be set aside for saving and investment. This portion should be used to build a financial cushion for the future and to invest in long-term wealth-building opportunities.
2. The second 10% should be used for giving back to others through charitable donations or other forms of philanthropy. Hill believed that giving back to others is an important part of achieving success and building a positive legacy.
3. The final 10% should be used for personal development and education. This portion should be invested in books, courses, seminars, or other forms of education and self-improvement.

Leadership

The author believed that taking initiative and leading were essential qualities for achieving success in any field. He emphasized the importance of being proactive, taking action, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone in order to achieve one’s goals.

True leaders are those who take responsibility for their actions and are willing to take risks and make difficult decisions. He believed that leadership is not a position or title, but rather a state of mind and a set of behaviors that can be developed over time.

Hill also emphasized the importance of being a good communicator and building strong relationships with others. He believed that effective leaders are those who are able to inspire and motivate others, build trust and rapport, and create a sense of shared purpose and vision.

On the other hand, procrastination is the enemy of intiative and is often rooted in fear and self-doubt. Individuals may procrastinate because they are afraid of failure, or because they lack confidence in their ability to succeed. Procrastination can also be a result of poor time management skills, lack of motivation, or simply not knowing where to start.

To overcome procrastination, Hill advised taking several key steps:

1. Identify the root cause of the procrastination. This will help you address the underlying issue and find solutions to overcome it.
2. Set clear goals and deadlines. Having a clear sense of what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve it can help you stay focused and motivated.
3. Break tasks down into smaller steps. Breaking a large task into smaller, more manageable steps can make it feel less overwhelming and easier to tackle.
4. Prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency can help you focus on the most critical tasks and avoid getting sidetracked by less important ones.
5. Ultimately, the key to overcoming procrastination is to take action. Even small steps forward can help build momentum and break the cycle of procrastination.

Imagination and Enthusiasm

The author believed that imagination and enthusiasm are two of the most powerful tools for achieving success in any area of life. Imagination is the ability to visualize and create mental images of desired outcomes. He believed that individuals who can harness the power of their imagination can create a clear vision of what they want to achieve, and this can help them stay motivated and focused on their goals.

Hill also believed that enthusiasm is essential for achieving success. Enthusiasm is the intense and positive emotion that comes from being fully committed to a goal or task. He was convinced that individuals who are enthusiastic about what they do are more likely to be successful, as they are willing to put in the effort and take risks to achieve their goals.

To cultivate imagination and enthusiasm, Hill recommended several key strategies:

1. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve can help you tap into your imagination and create mental images of your desired outcomes.
2. Use positive affirmations. Positive affirmations are statements that help you focus on your strengths and abilities, and can help you cultivate a sense of enthusiasm and confidence.
3. Being around positive and supportive people can help you maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated and enthusiastic.

Self-control

Hill believed that self-control is a critical attribute for achieving success and fulfilling one’s potential. Self-control refers to the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in order to achieve a desired outcome. Individuals who lack self-control may struggle to achieve their goals and may be more susceptible to negative emotions and behaviors, such as anger, frustration, and impulsiveness.

To cultivate self-control, Hill recommended to think about:

1. Developing a clear sense of purpose and a strong motivation for achieving your goals, which can help to stay focused and disciplined.
2. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness involves being present and aware of one’s thoughts and emotions, without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help individuals develop greater self-awareness and self-control.
3. Setting clear boundaries for yourself can help you avoid distractions and stay on track with your goals.
4. Developing healthy habits, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep, can help you maintain a clear and focused mind, which can in turn help you develop greater self-control.
5. Practicing self-discipline involves making conscious choices to prioritize your goals and resist impulses that might lead you astray.

Go above and beyond

The author believed that one of the keys to achieving success and advancing in one’s career is to consistently do more than what you are paid for. He believed that individuals who go above and beyond their job responsibilities demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, which can help them stand out and succeed in their careers.

Going above and beyond what is expected of you can help you develop a positive reputation among your colleagues and superiors, and can lead to greater opportunities for advancement and recognition. It can also help you develop a sense of pride and satisfaction in your work, which can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment in your career.

To consistently do more than what you are paid for, Hill recommended the following:

1. Developing a strong work ethic that involves being diligent, reliable, and committed to doing your best work.
2. Taking initiative involves identifying opportunities to improve processes or procedures, or taking on additional responsibilities without being asked.
3. Focusing on delivering high-quality work can help you stand out and demonstrate your commitment to excellence.
4. Seeking feedback and being open to constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and continue to develop your skills and abilities.

Personality goes a long way

Napoleon Hill believed that having a pleasing personality is a critical attribute for achieving success and fulfilling one’s potential. A pleasing personality refers to a set of qualities and characteristics that make an individual likable, attractive, and charismatic to others. The author was convinced that Individuals with a pleasing personality are more likely to be successful in their personal and professional lives, as they are better able to build relationships, influence others, and achieve their goals.

Some of the key qualities that contribute to a pleasing personality include:

1. Individuals with a positive attitude are more likely to be optimistic, enthusiastic, and confident, which can make them more attractive and engaging to others.
2. Empathy involves being able to understand and relate to others’ emotions and perspectives. Individuals with empathy are more likely to be perceived as caring, compassionate, and understanding.
3. Effective communication skills involve being able to convey ideas and information clearly and effectively. Individuals with strong communication skills are more likely to be perceived as confident, articulate, and persuasive.
4. Authenticity involves being true to oneself and presenting oneself honestly and transparently to others. Individuals who are authentic are more likely to be perceived as genuine, trustworthy, and likable.
5. A sense of humor involves the ability to make others laugh and see the lighter side of life. Individuals with a good sense of humor are more likely to be perceived as approachable, friendly, and fun to be around.

Legacy

The legacy of Napoleon Hill’s “Law of Success” is significant and enduring. Since its original publication in 1928, the book has inspired millions of people around the world to achieve success and fulfill their potential. One of the key contributions of the book is its emphasis on the power of the mind and the importance of cultivating a positive mental attitude. Hill’s teachings have influenced many other self-help and personal development writers and speakers, and have helped to shape the field of positive psychology.

The book’s emphasis on the importance of taking initiative, developing a strong work ethic, and going above and beyond what is expected has also been influential. Hill’s teachings have inspired countless individuals to work hard, take risks, and pursue their goals with passion and determination. Hill’s teachings on the importance of giving back to others and making a positive contribution to society have also inspired many philanthropic and community-based initiatives.

Some interesting facts about Napoleon Hill’s life:

1. Napoleon Hill was born on October 26, 1883, in Wise County, Virginia, USA.
2. Hill was born into poverty, and his early years were marked by hardship and struggle. However, he was determined to overcome these challenges and achieve success.
3. Hill began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and magazines in the United States.
4. Hill is often referred to as the “father of personal development,” as his work has influenced many other writers and speakers in the field.
5. Hill was a close friend and advisor to many influential people, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and industrialist Andrew Carnegie.
6. Hill’s work has been praised by many successful business leaders and entrepreneurs, including Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, and Tony Robbins.
7. Despite his many successes, Hill also faced several challenges throughout his life, including financial difficulties and personal tragedies.
8. One of the most significant was the death of his mother when he was only nine years old.
9. Hill’s first wife, Florence, was diagnosed with tuberculosis and passed away in 1928. This was a devastating loss for Hill, and he later wrote that he felt as though he had lost his reason for living.
10. Despite these tragedies, Hill continued to pursue his passion for writing and self-improvement. He authored several successful books which have sold millions of copies worldwide and have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and achieve success.
11. Hill passed away on November 8, 1970, at the age of 87.
12. In recognition of his contributions to the field of personal development, Hill was inducted into the International Speakers Hall of Fame in 1985.