First published in 1936, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to improving interpersonal skills. The book is divided into four main sections: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment. Carnegie's principles emphasize the importance of genuine interest in others, active listening, and avoiding criticism and argument. The book offers practical advice on how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and influence others by aligning their self-interest with yours. It has been a cornerstone of personal development and business success for generations[2][3][5].
Written in 1910, 'The Science of Getting Rich' by Wallace D. Wattles is a classic in the personal development genre. The book is based on the author's 'Certain Way of Thinking', which emphasizes the importance of positivity, self-affirmation, and creativity over competition. Wattles argues that wealth is not just about financial gain but also about achieving economic and emotional security. He advocates for a mindset that believes in abundance and the power of positive thinking to attract wealth. The book is divided into 17 chapters that provide action steps to add value to others, thereby creating wealth. It also draws from the mental healing movement and incorporates elements of monistic theory, suggesting that the universe is composed of a single, formless substance that can be shaped by one's thoughts[1][2][4].
Published in 1937, 'Think and Grow Rich' is a seminal work in the self-help genre. The book is the result of over twenty years of research by Napoleon Hill, who studied the habits and achievements of more than 500 successful individuals, including Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. Hill distills their wisdom into thirteen principles that, when practiced with persistence and faith, can transform dreams into reality. These principles include the power of desire, faith, specialized knowledge, organized planning, and the role of the subconscious mind. The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mental attitude, setting clear and specific goals, and taking consistent action to achieve success. It also explores the concept of the 'Master Mind' alliance and the need to overcome fears and doubts to achieve one's objectives.
In 'The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life', Bruce Wilkinson explores the prayer of Jabez, a little-known Bible figure, and its four requests: to be blessed, to have one's territory enlarged, to have God's hand with them, and to be kept from evil. Wilkinson argues that praying this prayer daily can lead to supernatural favor, influence, and power in one's life. He emphasizes that seeking God's blessing is an act of worship and that this prayer can bring about significant life changes. However, the book has also been criticized for its perceived alignment with the prosperity gospel and for suggesting that God will always answer prayers in the desired manner[2][3][5].
There is a rising movement–which few people are familiar with–sweeping across the world known as New Thought. What is it? And how concerned should we be? Former New Ager, Melissa Dougherty, joins me to discuss her soon-to-be released book Happy Lies, and why Christians need to wake up to the New Thought movement.
READ: Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World by Melissa Dougherty (https://amzn.to/3BG93Sz)
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