Magic of Big Ideas
March 2011
Good As Gold, Author: Napoleon Hill and Judith Williamson, Published By: Jaico,Pages: 242 , Rs 195
This book is a fresh visitation of the ideas of motivational coach and author, Napoleon Hill who was among the founding fathers of the positive thinking revolution along with Dale Carnegie, Norman Vincent Peale and James Allen. Not only have the ideas blossomed in a thousand different ways over the last 40 years, they have grown in depth and effectiveness with constant application. Hill was among those who warmed people up to the idea that new realities had to be charted with new maps that conveyed their message in the new idiom. He encouraged readers to look for guidance from sources other than the scriptures and thus prepared the ground for the New Age.
Divided into 52 chapters, corresponding with the number of weeks in a year, each chapter in this book has some tips to share on creating abundance and happiness. Beginning with a chapter on embracing rather than resisting change, the authors evoke Thomas Edison, a favourite of all inspirational writers.
There are chapters that emphasise thinking big, handling relationships, doing the right thing, sharing and managing money. However, the one big idea that runs through the entire book is that one has to have a clear sense of goal and a zeal to work for it to succeed. Without these two cardinal qualities, the authors says, success is, more often than not, mixed.
Emphasising the role of adversity in shaping character, the authors maintain that some of the most important lessons are learned when one is down and out. “Failure and adversity have introduced many men to opportunities which they would not have recognised under more favourable circumstances,’ says Hill. “The whole secret of the formula by which you may turn defeat into an asset lies in your ability to maintain a positive mental attitude despite defeat,” he adds.
Sound advice, is it not? Reminds one of the King Puru who was brought before Alexander the Great in chains after his defeat. “How do you wish to be treated?” asked Alexander, the victor. “As one king treats another,” said Puru, his head high, his spirit undefeated.
A book to be read, ruminated upon and digested. Very good value for money too.
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