Learn about Napoleon Hill, originator of the American self-help movement. Topics include his early life and education, exaggerated accomplishments, and relationship with his son. The hosts also explore the philosophy of the New Thought movement and discuss the potential impact of a lost chapter in his book 'Think and Grow Rich'.
Positive thinking and manifestation can lead to financial success, as promoted in Napoleon Hill's book 'Think and Grow Rich'.
Napoleon Hill's history of fraudulent activities did not deter him from attracting investments and publishing his successful book.
Napoleon Hill's manipulative tactics and controversial tactics cast a shadow over his career as a self-help author and motivational speaker.
Deep dives
The Success of Thinking Grow Rich
In 1937, Napoleon Hill published the book Thinking Grow Rich, which became extremely popular during the economic depression. The book promoted the idea that positive thinking and manifestation can lead to financial success, and it sold over 15 million copies. Despite Hill's history of scammy schemes, the book resonated with people seeking hope and opportunity during difficult times.
Napoleon Hill's Shady Background
Before the success of Thinking Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill engaged in various fraudulent activities. He ran a college where students unknowingly built cars for him, and later transitioned to selling cars through a multi-level marketing scheme. He also founded fake corporations and manipulated people to invest in them. Despite his questionable past, Hill managed to attract investments and publish his successful book.
The Cult and the Immortal Baby
Napoleon Hill's book gained a devoted following, and a cult known as the Royal Fraternity of the Master of Metaphysicians formed around it. They bought a mansion on Long Island and claimed they could make a baby immortal by exposing her only to positive thoughts and vegetarian diet. Hill visited the cult and supported their beliefs, but their scams and fraud were eventually revealed. This cult serves as an example of how people were captivated by Hill's ideas and allowed themselves to be misled.
Napoleon Hill's Scamming Career and Influence
Napoleon Hill, a self-help author popular for his book 'Think and Grow Rich,' had a history of scamming people throughout his career. He started by selling courses and books promising success and self-confidence. He ran an unaccredited school in Chicago called the George Washington Institute but encountered legal issues when accused of fraud. Hill continued his scams through magazines, promoting the Golden Rule of Business and giving awards to attract publicity and meet famous people. He also claimed to have interactions with Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Edison, and even originated the line 'there's nothing to fear but fear itself' for FDR. Hill published his influential book 'Think and Grow Rich,' which is still read today and inspired many in the self-help genre. He died in 1970, but his legacy lives on through the Napoleon Hill Foundation.
Napoleon Hill's Manipulative Tactics and Controversies
Napoleon Hill employed manipulative tactics to deceive people and make money. He convinced his wife to put the royalties of 'Think and Grow Rich' in her name to avoid paying back people he had scammed. Hill claimed to have helped with the war efforts during World War I and World War II, although these interactions with presidents and famous figures were likely fabricated. He set up a nonprofit organization, the Napoleon Hill Foundation, to perpetuate his teachings and maintain his legacy. Hill's influence can be seen in the power positive thinking movement, but his controversial tactics and lack of actual success cast a shadow over his career as a self-help author and motivational speaker.
