1

Reaction Paper



















Hannah Wikkeling
Dr. Kia James
May 6, 2014
MPH 631









2

Summary


Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. These are
the famous words Napoleon Hill, the author who arguably wrote one of the best selling
books of all time. First published in 1937 during the Great Depression, this book is the
end product of more than two decades of research conducted by Napoleon Hill himself.
His research began when Andrew Carnegie, the steel tycoon and the richest man on the
earth during that time, gave Napoleon Hill the assignment of discovering the magic
formula to acquiring fortune. After many years of research Hill organized the Philosophy
of Personal Achievement by studying the sources of riches and actual achievements of
the 500 most successful men known to the American people during the past 50 years. Hill
describes not only what to do in order to gain riches, but how to do it.
In this particular volume of the book there are 13 principles to master in achieving
success and fortunedesire (the starting point of achievement), faith (visualize of and
belief in attainment of desire), auto-suggestion (the medium for influencing the
subconscious mind), specialized knowledge (personal experiences of observations),
imagination (the workshop of the mind), organized planning (the crystalization of desire
into action), decision (the mastery of procrastination), persistence (the sustained effort
necessary to induce faith), power of the master mind (the driving force), the mystery of
sex transmutation, the subconscious mind (the connecting link), the brain (a broadcasting
and receiving station for thought), the sixth sense (the door to the temple of wisdom).
Throughout the book, Hill uses anecdotes and memoirs of individuals that he interviewed
3
and got to know very well and intertwined these statements within every
chapter/principle.
However, the organized planning section, which includes leadership, and the
power of masterminding are the most relevant pieces to this class and what discussed
throughout the semester. Napoleon Hill states that there are two types of people in the
world, those known as leaders and the others as followers. He mentions that it is no
disgrace to be a follower; however, there is no credit to remain a follower. Most great
leaders began in the capacity of followers because they were intelligent followers. The
man who can follow a leader most efficiently is usually the man who develops into
leadership most rapidly, as he can acquire great knowledge from his leader (Hill; pg.
164). Furthermore, Hill gives the 11 most important factors of leadership as well as the
10 major faults of leaders who fail. It is as important to know what not to do, as it is to
know what to do. Yet, individuals that embrace the 11 factors of leadership and make
them the basis of his or her own leadership practice will have the opportunity to lead in
any walk of life.
Hill also explains the importance of gaining power through the Master Minds.
Masterminding is the coordination of knowledge and effort, in spirit of harmony
between, two or more people, for the attainment of definite purpose (Hill, pg. 250). The
mere idea of getting people in one place and putting their ideas together can lead to great
insights and innovations. Choosing close associates who share common values, goals,
and interests are bound to have a strong desire to contribute to the overall effort, whatever
that may be. Furthermore, leadership is critical in a mastermind group because someone
has to take charge of that group. There is no such thing as something controlling itself.
4
Masterminds represent the highest order of thinking in a group of knowledgeable people
because each contributes their absolute best. Thus, the first step of becoming a leader and
putting together a mastermind is to clearly know your own desire (Hill, pg. 256).

Evaluation


Think and Grow rich is a very profound book in my opinion and even though it
gives one the tools to gain riches and fortune, it also helps people overcome the
psychological barriers that keep them from attaining their destinies. I thought the authors
presentation of this motivational book was incredibly interesting and very effective. As I
mentioned previously, Hill includes memoirs and a various accounts from some of the
most iconic businessmen of his time, which was a very unique presentation of the
principles necessary to achieving great success. As I read this book, I felt as if I was
watching a fiction tale of the stories and triumphs of the wealthiest men in the 1900s.
The accounts of the attained wealth seemed almost surreal and I had to keep reminding
myself that these stories were real and possible, and that Napoleon Hill actually knew
these extraordinarily affluent individuals.
The fact that Napoleon Hill wrote this book after researching and interviewing
over 500 of the wealthiest men over a 25 year period, was inspiring and motivational in
and of itself and proves that his principles are supported by strong evidence. Thus, I feel
that the quality of his reasoning and philosophies should be valued in the highest regard. I
feel as though if I follow the principles as explained by Napoleon Hill, I am bound to
overcome my barriers and attain my own fortune and success. Hill explains that there are
skeptics, but he advises readers to research the names and people he mentions as they too
5
have embedded these principles in their line of work and have attained stupendous
fortune. As such, Hill has inspired me to investigate these individuals further, as I am still
dumbfounded by the opportunity he had and the people he worked with and for (example:
Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, etc.).
For the simple fact that this book has withstood the test of time and the ideas and
principles are just as contemporary and powerful now as when Hill first assembled them,
proves the endless possibilities one can achieve. His philosophies are more relevant now
than ever for me, as I continue on my journey in the public health arena with aspirations
to effect change. In this field I will continue to give my services and I will be persistent in
every endeavor, so to achieve my goals, as encouraged by this book. Hill explains that
there is no such thing as getting something for nothing (pg. 9) and that as individuals
we have to learn how to give our services unconditionally. In the wise words of Napoleon
Hill, As a leader you must inspire confidence in your members by your dedication to
your desirewhich is the object of the group. The members must know with certainty
that you are reliable, trustworthy, and loyal (Hill; pg. 258), these are all qualities that we
have been discussing all semester long in the leadership class. After reading this book
and when I actually apply the principles, I believe that I too will learn how to clearly
accomplish what I wish, have faith in my abilities, and persist until I have reached my
goals, including becoming a great leader.
I honestly do not have any other critiques of this book other than the fact that
Napoleon Hill researched only men that acquired fortunes, but no women, as there were
very few women who attained the fortunes men had. However, because I read the 21
st

Century Edition of Think and Grow Rich, there was commentary throughout each chapter
6
that did give examples of women and other contemporary examples of those who gained
great success and riches (example: Bill Gates and Mary Kay Ash).
Thus, myself and over 100 million other individuals highly recommend this
classic, as it holds many profound examples and resources to understanding and applying
the Philosophy of Personal Achievement, in which to attain the riches that I personally
desire. I do plan to use the tools he offers in this inspiring book. One of the most inspiring
pieces of advice Napoleon hill gives is to Awake, arise, and assert yourself, you
dreamers of the world. Your star is now in the ascendency. The world depression brought
the opportunity to teach people humility, tolerance, and open-mindedness. The world is
filled with an abundance of opportunity, which the dreamers of the past never knew
(Hill; pg. 50).
























7

Reference

Hill, Napoleon. Commentary: Bill and Ann Hartley. Think and grow rich: Napoleon Hill
King Maker of Millionaires--The 21st Century Edition Annotated with updated
examples. 1937. Reprint. Malaysia: Napoleon Hill Associates, 2005. Print.