THINK AND GROW RICH

Napoleon Hill

Thoughts are things.

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve.Desire. The starting point of all achievement.

Both poverty and riches are the offspring of thought.Faith. Visualization of, and belief in attainment of desire. The 2nd step toward riches.

Have faith in yourself; faith in the Infinite.

Before we begin, you should be reminded that: Faith is the «eternal elixir» which gives life, power, and action to the impulse of thought!

The foregoing sentence is worth reading a second time, and a third, and a fourth. It is worth reading aloud!

Faith is the starting point of all accumulation of riches!

Faith is the basis of all «miracles», and all mysteries which cannot be analyzed by the rules of science.

Faith is the only known antidote for failure.

Faith is the element, the «chemical» which, when mixed with prayer, gives one direct communication with Infinite Intelligence.

Faith is the element which transforms the ordinary vibration of thought, created by the finite mind of man, into the spiritual equivalent.

Faith is the only agency through which the cosmic force of Infinite Intelligence can be harnassed and used by man.

The magic of Self-Suggestion.

Thoughts which are mixed with any of the feelings of emotions constitute a «magnetic» force which attracts other similar or related thoughts.

Self-Confidence Formula.

1) I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my definite purpose in life; therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and Now promise to render such action.

2) I realize the dominating thoughts of my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward, physical action, and gradually transform themselves into physical reality; therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for thirty minutes daily, upon the task of thinking of the person I intend to become, thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture.

3) I know through the principle of autosuggestion, any desire that I persistently hold in my mind will eventually seek expression through some practical means of attaining the object back of it; therefore, I will devote ten minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of self-confidence.

4) I have clearly written down a description of my definite chief aim in life, and I will never stop trying, until I shall have developed sufficient self-confidence for its attainment.

5) I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure, unless built upon truth and justice; therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects. I will succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use, and the cooperation of other people. I will induce others to serve me, because of my willingness to serve others. I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude towards others can never bring me success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself. I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory, and repeat it aloud once a day, with full faith that it will gradually influence my thoughts and actions so that I will become a self-reliant, and successful person.

Riches begin in the form of thought.

Autosuggestion. The medium for influencing the subconscious mind. Autosugestion is a term which applies to all suggestions and all self-administered stimuli which reach one's mind through the five senses. It is the agency of communication between that part of the mind where conscious thought takes place, and that which serves as the seat of action for the subconscious mind.

Through the dominating thoughts which one permits to remain in the conscious mind, (whether these thoughts be negative or positive is immaterial), the principle of autosuggestion voluntarily reaches the subconsious mind and influences it with these thoughts.

First: go into some quiet spot (preferably in bed at night) where you will not be disturbed or interrupted, close your eyes and repeat aloud (so you may hear your own words) the written statement of the amount of money you intend to accumulate, the time limit for its accumulation, and a description of the service or merchandise you intend to give in return for the money. As you carry out these instructions, see, hear and feel yourself already in possession of the money.

For example: Suppose that you intend to accumulate $50,000 by the first of January, five years hence, that you intend to give personal services in return for the money, in the capacity of a salesman. Your written statement of your purpose should be similar to the following:

"By the first day of January, 20..., I will have in my possession $50,000, which will come to me in various amounts from time to time during the interim.

In return for this money I will give the most efficient service of which I am capable, rendering the fullest possible quantity, and the best possible quality of service in the capacity of salesman of ....... (describe the service or merchandise you intend to sell).

I believe that I will have this money in my possession. My faith is so strong that I can now see this money before my eyes. I can touch it with my hands. It is now awaiting transfer to me at the time, and in the proportion that I deliver the service I intend to render in return for it. I am awaiting a plan by which to accumulate this money, and I will follow that plan, when it is received.

Second: repeat this program night and morning until you can see (in your imagination) the money you intend to accumulate.

Third: place a written copy of your statement where you can see it night and morning, and read it just before retiring, and upon arising until it has been memorized.

Remember, as you carry out these instructions, that you are applying the principle of autosuggestion, for the purpose of giving orders to your subconscious mind. Remember, also, that your subconscious mind will act only upon instructions which are emotionalized, and handed over to it with «feeling». Faith is the strongest, and most productive of the emotions.

These instructions may, at first, seem abstract. Do not les this disturb you. Follow the instructions, no matter how abstract or impractical they may, at first, appear to be. The time will soon come, if you do as you have been instructed, in spirit as well as in act, when a whole new universe of power will unfold to you.

Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the Seed of an equivalent or a greater Benefit.

Specialized knowledge.

Knowledge will not attract money, unless it is organised and intelligently directed, through practical plans of action, to the definite end of accumulation of money. Knowledge is only potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organised into definite plans of action and directed to a definite end.

You can get all the knowledge you need.

It pays to know how to purchase knowledge.

The more important dependable sources of knowledge are:

a) One's own experience and education.

b) Experience and education available through cooperation of others (Master Mind Alliance).

c) Colleges and Universities.

d) Public libraries (through books and periodicals in which may be found all the knowledge organized by civilisation).

e) Special training courses (through night schools and home study schools in particular.

Imagination.

The imagination is literally the workshop wherein are fashioned all plans created by man. The impulse, the desire, is given shape, form, and action through the aid of the imaginative faculty of the mind.

It has been said that man can create anything which he can imagine.

Two forms of imagination:

Synthetic imagination: Through this faculty, one may arrange old concepts, ideas, or plans into new combinations. This faculty creates nothing. It merely works with the material of experience, education, and observation with which it is fed. It is the faculty used most by the inventor, with the exception of the «genius» who draws upon the creative imagination, when he cannot solve his problem through synthetic imagination.

Creative imagination: Through the faculty of creative imagination, the finite mind of man has direct communication with Infinite Intelligence. It is the faculty through which «hunches» and «inspirations» are received. It is by this faculty that all basic, or new ideas are handed over to man. It is through this faculty that one individual may «tune in», or communicate with the subconscious minds of other men.

Organized planning.

a) Ally yourself with a group of as many people as you may need for the creation and carrying out of your plan or plans for the accumulation of money making use of the «Master Mind» principle described in a later chapter. Compliance with this instruction is absolutely essential. Do not neglect it.

b) Before forming your «Master Mind» alliance, decide what advantages and benefits you may offer the individual members of your group, in return for their cooperation. No one will work indefinitely without some form of compensation. No intelligent person will either request or expect another to work without adequate compensation, although this may not always be in the form of money.

c) Arrange to meet with the members of your «Master Mind» group at least twice a week, and more often if possible, until you have jointly perfected the necessary plan or plans for the accumulation of money.

d) Maintain perfect harmony between yourself and every member of your «Master Mind» group. If you fail to carry out this instruction to the letter, you may expect to meet with failure. The «Master Mind» principle cannot obtainwhere perfect harmony does not prevail.

Keep in mind these facts:

1) You are engaged in an undertaking of major importance to you. To be sure of success, you must have plans which are faultless.

2) You must have the advantage of the experience, education, native ability and imagination of other minds. This is in harmony with the methods followed by every person who has accumulated a great fortune.

If your first plan fails, try another.

No follower of this philosophy can reasonably expect to accumulate a fortune without experiencing «temporary defeat». When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.

The major attributes of leadership:

1) Unwavering courage based upon knowledge of self, and of one's occupation. No follower wishes to be dominated by a leader who lacks self-confidence and courage. No intelligent follower will be dominated by such a leader very long.

2) Self-control. The man who cannot control himself can never control others. Self-control sets a mighty example for one's followers, which the more intelligent will emulate.

3) A keen sense of justice. Without a sense of fairness and justice, no leader can command and retain the respect of his followers.

4) Definiteness of decision. The man who wavers in his decisions, shows that he is not sure of himself, cannot lead others successfully.

5) Definiteness of plans. The successful leader must plan his work, and work his plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite plans, is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later he will land on the rocks.

6) The habit of doing more than paid for. One of the penalties of leadership is the necessity of willingness, upon the part of the leader, to do more than he requires of his followers.

7) A pleasing personality. No slovenly, careless person can become a successful leader. Leadership calls for respect. Followers will not respect a leader who does not grade high on all of the factors of a pleasing personality.

8) Sympathy and understanding. The successful leader must be in sympathy with his followers. Moreover, he must understand them and their problems.

9) Mastery of detail. Successful leadership calls for mastery of the details of the leader's position.

10) Willingness to assume full responsibility. The successful leader must be willing to assume responsibility for the mistakes and the shortcomings of his followers. If he tries to shift this responsibility, he will not remain the leader. If one of his followers makes a mistake, and shows himself incompetent, the leader must consider that it is he who failed.

11) Cooperation. The successful leader must understand and apply the principle of cooperative effort and be able to induce his followers to do the same. Leadership calls for power, and power calls for cooperation.

There are two forms of leadership. The first, and by far the most effective, is leadership by consent of, and with the sympathy of the followers. The second is leadership by force, without the consent and sympathy of the followers.

The ten major causes of failure in leadership.

1) Inability to organize details.

2) Unwillingness to render humble service.

3) Expectation of pay for what they «know» instead of what they do with that which they know.

4) Fear of competition from followers.

5) Lack of imagination.

6) Selfishness.

7) Intemperance.

8) Disloyalty.

9) Emphasis of the «authority» of leadership.

10) Emphasis of title.

The thirty-one major causes of failure.

1) Unfavorable hereditary background.

2) Lack of a well-defined purpose in life.

3) Lack of ambition to aim above mediocrity.

4) Insufficient education.

5) Lack of self-discipline.

6) Ill health. Many of the causes of ill health are subject to mastery and control. These are:

a) Overeating of foods not conducive to health.

b) Wrong habits of thought; giving expression to negatives.

c) Wrong use of, and over indulgence in sex.

d) Lack of proper physical exercise.

e) An inadequate supply of fresh air, due to improper breathing.

7) Unfavorable environmental influences during childhood.

8) Procrastination.

9) Lack of persistence.

10) Negative personality.

11) Lack of controlled sexual urge.

12) Uncontrolled desire for «something for nothing».

13) Lack of a well defined power of decision.

14) One or more of the six basic fears. (Described later).

15) Wrong selection of a mate in marriage.

16) Over-caution.

17) Wrong selection of associates in business.

18) Superstition and prejudice.

19) Wrong selection of vocation.

20) Lack of concentration and effort.

21) The habit of indiscriminate spending.

23) Intolerance.

24) Intemperance.

25) Inability to cooperate with others.

26) Possession of power that was not acquired through self effort.

27) Intentional dishonesty.

28) Egotism and vanity.

29) Guessing instead of thinking.

30) Lack of capital.

31) Under this name any particular cause of failure from which you have suffered that has not been included in the foregoing list.

Self-analysis questionnaire for personal inventory.

1) Have I attained the goal which I established as my objective for this year? (You should work with a definite yearly objective to be attained as a part of your major life objective.)

2) Have I delivered service of the best possible quality of which I was capable, or could I have improved any part of this service?

3) Have I delivered service in the greatest possible quantity of which I was capable?

4) Has the spirit of my conduct been harmonious and cooperative at all times?

5) Have I permitted the habit of procrastination to decrease my efficiency, and if so, to what extent?

6) Have I improved my personality, and if so, in what ways?

7) Have I been perstistent in following my plans through to completion?

8) Have I reached decisions promptly and definitely on all occasions?

9) Have I permitted any one or more of the six basic fears to decrease my efficiency?

10) Have I beeen either over-cautious, or under-cautious?

11) Has my relationship with my associates in work been pleasant, or unpleasant? If it has been unpleasant, has the fault been partly, or wholly mine?

12) Have I dissipated any of my energy through lack of concentration of effort?

13) Have I been open-minded and tolerant in connection with all subjects?

14) In what way have I improved my ability to render service?

15) Have I been intemperate in any of my habits?

16) Have I expressed either openly or secretly, any form of egotism?

17) Has my conduct toward my associates been such that it has induced them to respect me?

18) Have my opinions and decisions been based upon guesswork, or accuracy of analysis and thought?

19) Have I followed the habit of budgeting my time, my expenses, and my income, and have I been conservative in these budgets?

20) How much time have I devoted to unprofitable effort which I might have used to better advantage?

21) How may I re-budget my time, and change my habits so I will be more efficient during the coming year?

22) Have I been guilty of any conduct which was not approved by my conscience?

23) In what ways have I rendered more service and better service than I was paid to render?

24) Have I been unfair to anyone, and if so, in what way?

25) If I had been the purchaser of my own services for the year, would I be satisfied with my purchase?

26) Am I in the right vocation, and if not, why not?

27) Has the purchaser of my services been satisfied with the service I have rendered, and if not, why not?

28) What is my present rating on the fundamental principles of success? (Make this rating fairly and frankly, and have it checked by someone who is courageaous enough to do it accurately).

Success requires no explanations.

Failure permits no alibis.

Decision.

Procrastination, the opposite of decision, is a common enemy which practically every man must conquer.

Analysis of several hundred people who had accumulated fortunes well beyond the million-dollar mark disclosed the fact that every one of them had the habit of reaching decisions promptly, and of changing these decisions slowly, if, and when they were changed. People who fail to accumulate money, without exception, have the habit of reaching decisions, if at all, very slowly, and of changing these decisions quickly and often.

You have a brain and mind of your own. Use it, and reach your own decisions. If you need facts or information from other people to enable you to reach decisions, as you probably will in many instances, acquire these facts or secure the information you need quietly, without disclosing your purpose.

Know what you want and you'll generally get it.

Persistence.

Persistence is an essential factor in the procedure of transmuting desire into its monetary equivalent. The basis of persistence is the power of will.

Will-power and desire, when properly combined, make an irresistible pair. Men who accumulate great fortunes are generally known as cold-blooded, and sometimes ruthless. Often they are misunderstood. What they have is will-power, which they mix with persistence, and place back of their desires to insure the attainment of their objectives.

The majority of people are ready to throw their aims and purposes overboard, and give up at the first sign of opposition or misfortune. A few carry on despite all opposition, until they attain that goal.

You can train yourself to be persistent

Persistence is a state of mind, therefore it can be cultivated. Like all states of mind, persistence is based upon definite causes, among them these:

1) Definiteness of purpose. Knowing what one wants is the first and, perhaps, the most important step toward the development of persistence. A strong motive forces one to surmount many difficulties.

2) Desire. It is comparatively easy to acquire and to maintain persistence in pursuing the object of iintense desire.

3) Self-reliance. Belief in one's ability to carry out a plan encourages one to follow the plan through with persistence. (Self-reliance can be developed through the principle described in the chapter on autosuggestion).

4)Definiteness of plans. Organized plans, even though they may be weak and entirely impractical, encourage persistence.

5) Accurate knowledge. Knowing that one's plans are sound, based upon experience or observation, encourages persistence; «guessing» instead of «knowing» destroys persistence.

6) Cooperation. Sympathy, understanding, and harmonious cooperation with others tend to develop persistence.

7) Will-power. The habit of concentrating one's thoughts upon the building of plans for the attainment of a definite purpose leads to persistence.

8) Habit. Persistence is the direct result of habit. The mind absorbs and becomes a part of the daily experiences upon which it feeds. Fear, the worst of all enemies, can be effectively cured by forced repetition of acts of courage. Everyone who has seen active service in war knows this.

These are the weaknesses which must be mastered by all who accumulate riches:

1) Failure to recognize and to define clearly exactly what one wants.

2) Procrastination, with or without cause. (Usually backed up with a formidable array of alibis and excuses).

3) Lack of interest in acquiring specialized knowledge.

4) Indecision, the habit of «passing the buck» on all occasions, instead of facing issues squarely (also backed by alibis).

5) The habit of relying upon alibis instead of creating definite plans for the solution of problems.

6) Self-satisfaction. There is but little remedy for this affliction, and no hope for those who suffer from it.

7) Indifference, usually reflected in one's readiness to compromise on all occasions, rather than meet opposition and fight it.

8) The habit of blaming others for one's mistakes, and accepting unfavorable circumstances as being unavoidable.

9) Weakness of desire, due to neglect in the choice of motives that impel action.

10) Willingness, even eagerness, to quit at the first sign of defeat. (Based upon one or more of the six basic fears).

11) Lack of organised plans, placed in writing where they may be analyzed.

12) The habit of neglecting to move on ideas, or to grasp opportunity when it presents itself.

13) Wishing instead of willing.

14) The habit of compromising with poverty instead of aiming at riches. General absence of ambition to be, to do, to own.

15) Searching for all the short-cuts to riches, trying to get without giving a fair equivalent, usually reflected in the habit of gambling, endeavoring to drive «sharp» bargains.

16) Fear of criticism, failure to create plans and to put them into action, because of what other people will think, do, or say. This enemy belongs at the head of the list, because it generally exists in one's subconscious mind, where its presence is not recognized (see the basic six fears).

How to develop persistence

There are four simple steps which lead to the habit of persistence. They call for no great amount of intelligence, no particular amount of education, and but little time or effort. The necessary steps are:

1) A definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment.

2) A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.

3) A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.

4) A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.

Power of the Master Mind

Power is essential foor success in the accumulation of money. Power may be defined as «organized and intelligently directed knowledge». Power refers to organized effort, sufficient to enable an individual to transmute desire into its monetary equivalent. Power is necessary for the retention of money after it has been accumulated.

Sources of knowledge:

a) Infinite intelligence. This source of knowledge may be contacted through the 'procedure described in another chapter, with the aid of creative imagination.

b) Accumulated experience. The accumulated experience of man, (or that portion of it which has been organized and recorded) may be found in any well-equipped public library. An important part of this accumulated experience is taught in public schools and colleges, where it has been classified and organized.

c) Experiment and research. In the field of science, and in practically every other walk of life, men are gathering, classifying, and organizing new facts daily. This is the source to which one must turn when knowledge is not available through «accumulated experience». Here, too, the creative imagination must often be used.

The «Master Mind» may be defined as: «Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose».

«No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind». When the minds of two people are coordinated in a spirit of harmony, the spiritual units of energy of each mind form an affinity, which constitutes the «psychic» phase of the Master Mind.

How to multiply your brain power

When a group of individual brains are coordinated and function in harmony, the increased energy created through that alliance becomes available to every individual brain in the group.

Gandhi came to power through inducing over two hundred million people to coordinate, with mind and body, in a spirit of harmony, for a definite purpose.

In brief, Gandhi accomplished a miracle, for it is a miracle when two hundred million people can be induced not forced to cooperate in a spirit of harmony.

Happiness is found in doing, not merely in possessing.

The mystery of sex transmutation

The emotion of sex has back of it the possibility of three constructive potentialities. They are:

1) The perpetuation of mankind.

2) The maintenance of health (as a therapeutic agency, it has no equal).

3) The transformation of mediocrity into genius through transmutation.

Sex transmutation is simple and easily explained. It means the switching of the mind from thoughts of physical expression, to thoughts of some other nature.

Relationship of achievement to highly developed sex natures.

Fortunate, indeed, is the person who has discovered how to give sex emotion an outlet through some form of creative effort.

Scientific research has disclosed these significant facts:

1) The men of greatest achievement are men with highly developed sex natures: men who have learned the art of sex transmutation.

2) The men who have accumulated great fortunes and achieved outstanding recognition in literature, art, industry, architecture and the professions, were motivated by the influence of a woman.

The emotion of sex is a n «irresistible force», against which there can be no such opposition as an «immovable body». When driven by this emotion, men become gifted with a super power for action. Understand this truth, and you will catch the significance of the statement that sex transmutation contains the secret of creative ability.

The ten stimuli of the mind

The human mind responds to stimuli, through which it may be «keyed up» to high rates of vibration, known as enthusiasm, creative imagination, intense desire, etc. The stimuli to which the mind responds most freely are:

1) The desire for sex expression.

2) Love.

3) A burning desire for fame, power, or financial gain, money.

4) Music.

5) Friendship between either those of the same sex, or those of the opposite sex.

6) A Master Mind alliance based upon the harmony of two or more people who ally themselves for spiritual or temporal achievement.

7) Mutual suffering, such as that experienced by people who are persecuted.

8) Autosuggestion.

9) Fear.

10) Narcotics and alcohol.

«How may one communicate with sources of knowledge which are not available through ordinary thought?»

«Are there known sources of knowledge which are available only to geniuses, and, if so, what are these sources, and exactly how may they be reached?»

Where «hunches» come from

1) Infinite Intelligence.

2) One's subconscious mind, wherein is stored every sense impression and thought impulse which ever reached the brain through any of the five senses.

3) From the mind of some other person who has just released the thought, or picture of the idea or concept, through conscious thought.

4) From the other person's subconscious storehouse.

Methods used by geniuses are available to you

1) He stimulates his mind so that it functions on a higher-than-average plane, using one or more of the ten mind stimulants or some other stimulant of his choice.

2) He concentrates upon the known factors (the finished part) of his invention, and creates in his mind a perfect picture of unknown factors (the unfinished part), of his invention. He holds this picture in mind until it has been taken over by the subconscious mind, then relaxes by clearing his mind of all thought, and waits for his answer to «flash» into his mind.

We here present the names of a few men of outstanding achievement, each of whom was known to have been of a highly sexed nature. The genius which was theirs undoubtedly found its source of power in transmuted sex energy:

George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, William Shakespeare, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thomas Jefferson, Enrico Caruso, etc...

Sex energy is the creative energy of all geniuses. There never has been, and never will be a great leader, builder or artist lacking in this driving force of sex.

The energy must be transmuted from desire for physical contact, into some other form of desire and action, before it will lift one to the status of a genius.

The storehouse of personal magnetism

This energy may be communicated to others through the following media:

1) The hand-shake. The touch of the hand indicates, instantly, the presence of magnetism, or the lack of it.

2) The tone of voice. Magnetism, or sex energy, is the factor with which the voice may be colored, or made musical and charming.

3) Posture and carriage of the body. Highly sexed people move briskly, and with grace and ease.

4) The vibrations of thought. Highly sexed people mix the emotion of sex with their thoughts, or may do so at will, and in that way, may influence those around them.

5) Body adornment. People who are highly sexed are usually very careful about their personal appearance. They usually select clothing of a style becoming to their personality, physique, complexion, etc.

Many cases of hypochondria (imaginary illness) grow out of habits developed in ignorance of the true function of sex.

It may be readily seen that ignorance on the subject of sex transmutation forces stupendous penalties upon the ignorant on the one hand, and witholds from them equally stupendous benefits on the other.

The subconscious mind

The subconscious mind consists of a field of consciousness, in which every impulse of thought that reaches the conscious mind through any of the five senses, is classified and recorded, and from which thoughts may be recalled or withdrawn as letters may be taken from a filing cabinet.

After you have accepted, as a reality, the existence of the subconscious mind, and understand its possibilities as a medium for transmuting your desires into their physical or monetary equivalent, you will comprehend the full significance of the instructions given on the chapter on desire. You will also understand why you have been repeatedly admonished to make your desires clear, and to reduce them to writing. You will also understand the necessity of persistence in carrying out instructions.

The seven major positive emotions

The emotion of desire

The emotion of faith

The emotion of love

The emotion of sex

The emotion of enthusiasm

The emotion of romance

The emotion of hope

The seven major negative emotions (to be avoided)

The emotion of fear

The emotion of jealousy

The emotion of hatred

The emotion of revenge

The emotion of greed

The emotion of superstition

The emotion of anger

Positive and negative emotions cannot occupy the mind at the same time. One or the other must dominate. It is your responsibility to make sure that positive emotions constitute the dominating influence of your mind.

The secret of effective prayer

If you are an observing person, you must have noticed that most people resort to prayer only after everything else has failed! Or else they pray by a ritual of meaningless words.

If you pray for a thing, but have fear as you pray that you may not receive it, or that your prayer will not be acted upon by the Infinite Intelligence, your prayer will have been in vain.

The subconscious mind is the intermediary, which translates one's prayers into terms which Infinite Intelligence can recognize, presents the message, and brings back the answer in the form of a definite plan or idea for procuring the object of the prayer.

Anybody can wish for riches, and most people do, but only a few know that a definite plan, plus a burning desire for wealth, are the only dependable means of accumulating wealth.

The brain

More than forty years ago, the author, working in conjunction with the late Dr. Alexander Graham Bell, and Dr. Elmer R. Gates, observed that every human brain is both a broadcasting and receiving station for the vibration of thought.

In a fashion similar to that employed by the radio broadcasting principle, every human brain is capable of picking up vibrations of thought which are being released by other brains.

Sometimes, men speak lightly of the intangibles the things, which they cannot perceive through any of their five senses, and when we hear them, it should remind us that all of us are controlled by forces which are unseen and intangible. Man does not understand the intangible force (and intelligence) wrapped up in the soil of the earth the force which provides him with every morsel of food he eats, every article of clothing he wears, every dollar he carries in his pocket.

The ladder of success is never crowded at the top.

The sixth sense

This thirteenth principle is known as the sixth sense, through which Infinite Intelligence may and will communicate voluntarily, without any effort from, or demands by, the individual.

This principle is the apex of the philosophy. It can be assimilated, understood, and applied only by first mastering the other twelve principle.

The sixth sense is that portion of the subconscious mind which has been referred to as the creative imagination. It has also been referred to as the «receiving set» through which ideas, plans, and thoughts flash into the mind. The flashes are sometimes called hunches or inspiration.

After you have mastered the principles in this book, you will be prepared to accept as truth a statement which may, otherwise, be incredible to you, namely:

Through the aid of the sixth sense, you will be warned of impending dangers in time to avoid them, and notified of opportunities in time to embrace them.

There comes to your aid, and to do your bidding, with the development of the sixth sense, a «guardian angel» who will open to you at all times the door to the temple of wisdom. The sixth sense comes as near to being a miracle as anything I have ever experienced.

Let great men shape your life

My experience has taught me that the next best thing to being truly great is to emulate the great, by feeling and action, as nearly as possible. I followed the habit of reshaping my own character, by trying to imitate the nine men whose lives and life-works had been most impressive to me. These nine men were Emerson, Paine, Edison, Darwin, Lincoln, Burbank, Napoleon, Ford, and Carnegie. Every night, over a long period of years, I held an imaginary council meeting with this group whom I called my «Invisible Counselors».

The procedure was this. Just before going to sleep at night, I would shut my eyes, and see, in my imagination, this group of men seated with me around my council table. Here I had not only an opportunity to sit among those whom I considered to be great, but I actually dominated the group, by serving as the chairman.

I had a very definite purpose in indulging through these nightly meetings. My purpose was to rebuild my own character so it would represent a composite of the characters of my imaginary counselors.

Building character through autosuggestion

I knew, of course, that all men have become what they are because of their dominating thoughts and desires. I knew that every deeply seated desire has the effect of causing one to seek outward expression through which that desire may be transmuted into reality. I knew that self-suggestion is a powerful factor in building character, that it is, in fact, the sole principle through which character is built.

In these imaginary council meetings I called on my cabinet members for the knowledge I wished each to contribute, addressing myself to each member in audible words.

Ex.: "Napoleon, I desire to acquire from you, by emulation, the marvelous ability you possessed to inspire men, and to arouse them to greater and more determined spirit of action. Also to acquire the spirit of enduring faith, which enabled you to turn defeat into victory, and to surmount staggering obstacles."

"Mr. Lincoln, I desire to build into my own character the keen sense of justice, the untiring spirit of patience, the sense of humor, the human understanding, and the tolerance which were your distinguishing characteristics."

I studied the records of their lives with painstaking care. After some months of the nightly procedure, I was astounded by the discovery that these imaginary figures became apparently real.

These meetings became so realistic that I became fearful of their consequences, and discontinued them for several months. The experiences were so uncanny, I was afraid if I continued them I would lose sight of the fact that the meetings were purely experiences of my imagination.

The starting point of all achievement is desire. The finishing point is that brand of knowledge which leads to understanding understanding of self, understanding of others, understanding of the laws of nature, recognition and understanding of happiness.

This sort of understanding comes in its fullness only through familiarity with, and use of the principle of the sixth sense.

The six ghosts of fear

Before you can put any portion of this philosophy into successful use, your mind must be prepared to receive it. The preparation is not difficult. It begins with study, analysis, and understanding of three enemies which you shall have to clear out indecision, doubt and fear.

The sixth sense will never function while these three negatives, or any one of them, remain in your mind.

Named in the order of their most common appearance, they are:

The fear of poverty

The fear of criticism

The fear of ill health

The fear of loss of love of someone

The fear of old age

The fear of death

Fears are nothing more than states of mind. One's state of mind is subject to control and direction.

Man can create nothing which he does not first conceive in the form of an impulse of thought. Following this statement comes another of still greater importance, namely, man's thought impulses begin immediately to translate themselves into their physical equivalent, whether those thoughts are voluntary or involuntary.

Every human being has the ability to completely control his own mind, and with this control every person may open his mind to the tramp thought impulses which are being released by other brains, or close the door tightly and admit only thought impulses of his own choice.

If you demand riches, determine what form, and how much will be required to satisfy you. You know the road that leads to riches. You have been given a road map which, if followed, will keep you on the road. If you neglect to make the start, or stop before you arrive, no one will be to blame but you. This responsibility is yours. No alibi will save you from accepting the responsibility if you now fail or refuse to demand riches of life, because the acceptance calls for but one thing incidentally, the only thing you can control and that is a state of mind. A state of mind is something that one assumes. It cannot be purchased, it must be created.

Without doubt, the most common weakness of all human beings is the habit of leaving their minds open to the negative influence of other people. This weakness is all the more damaging, because most people do not recognize that they are cursed by it, and many who acknowledge it, neglect or refuse to correct the evil until it becomes an uncontrollable part of their daily habits.

To aid those who wish to see themselves as they really are, the following list of questions has been prepared. Read the questions and state your answers aloud, so you can hear your own voice. This will make it easier for you to be truthful with yourself.

Do you complain often of «feeling bad», and if so, what is the cause?

Do you find fault with other people at the slightest provocation?

Do you frequently make mistakes in your work, and if so, why?

Are you sarcastic and offensive in your conversation?

Do you deliberately avoid the association of anyone, and if so, why?

Do you suffer frequently from indigestion? If so, what is the cause?

Does life seem futile and the future hopeless to you?

Do you like your occupation? If not, why?

Do you often feel self-pity, and if so, why?

Are you envious of those who excel you?

To which do you devote most time, thinking of success, or of failure?

Are you gaining or losing self-confidence as you grow older?

Do you learn something of value from all mistakes?

Are you permitting some relative or acquaintance to worry you? If so, why?

Are you sometimes «in the clouds» and at other times in the depths of despondency?

Who has the most inspiring influence upon you? What is the cause?

Do you tolerate negative or discouraging influences which you can avoid?

Are you careless of your personal appearance? If so, when and why?

Have you learned how to «drown your troubles» by being too busy to be annoyed by them?

Would you call yourself a «spineless weakling» if you permitted others to do your thinking for you?

Do you neglect internal bathing until auto-intoxication makes you ill-tempered and irritible?

How many preventable disturbances annoy you, and why do you tolerate them?

Do you resort to liquor, narcotics, or cigarettes to «quiet your nerves»? If so, why do you not try will-power instead?

Does anyone «nag» you, and if so, for what reason?

Do you have a definite major purpose, and if so, what is it, and what plan have you for achieving it?

Do you suffer from any of the Six Basic Fears? If so, which ones?

Have you a method by which you can shield yourself against the negative influence of others?

Do you make deliberate use of suggestion to make your mind positive?

Which do you value most, your material possessions, or your privilege of controlling your own thoughts?

Are you easily influenced by others, against your own judgment?

Has today added anything of value to your stock of knowledge or state of mind?

Do you face squarely the circumstances which make you unhappy, or sidestep the responsibility?

Do you analyze all mistakes and failures and try to profit by them or, do you take the attitutde that this is not your duty?

Can you name three of your most damaging weaknesses? What are you doing to correct them?

Do you encourage other people to bring their worries to you for sympathy?

Do you choose, from your daily experiences, lessons or influences which aid in your personal advancement?

Does your presence have a negative influence which aid in your personal advancement?

Does your presence have a negative influence on other people as a rule?

What habits of other people annoy you most?

Do you form your own opinions or permit yourself to be influenced by other people?

Have you learned how to create a mental state of mind with which you can shield yourself against all discouraging influences?

Does your occupation inspire you with faith and hope?

Are you conscious of possessing spiritual forces of sufficient power to enable you to keep your mond free from all forms of fear?

Does your religion help you to keep your mind positive?

Do you feel it your duty to share other people's worries? If so, why?

If you believe that «birds of a feather flock together», what have you learned about yourself by studying the friends whom you attract?

What connection, if any, do you see between the people with whom you associate most closely, and any unhappiness you may experience?

Could it be possible that some person whom you consider to be a friend is, in reality, your worst enemy, because of his negative influence on your mind?

By what rules do you judge who is helpful and who is damaging to you?

Are your intimate associates mentally superior or inferior to you?

How much time out of every 24 hours do you devote to:

a) your occupation

b) sleep

c) play and relaxation

d) acquiring useful knowledge

e) plain waste?

Who among your acquaintances

a) encourages you most

b) cautions you most

c) discourages you most?

What is your greatest worry? Why do you tolerate it?

When others offer you free, unsolicited advice, do you accept it without question, or analyze their motive?

What, above all else, do you most desire? Do you intend to acquire it? Are you willing to subordinate all other desires for this one? How much time daily do you devote to acquiring it?

Do you change your mind often? If so, why?

Do you usually finish everything you begin?

Are you easily impressed by other people's business or professional titles, college degrees or wealth?

Are you easily influenced by what other people think or say of you?

Do you cater to people because of their social or financial status?

Whom do you believe to be the greatest person living? In what respect is this person superior to yourself?

How much time have you devoted to studying and answering these questions? (At least one day is necessary for the analysis and the answering of the entire list).

If you have answered all these questions truthfully, you know more about yourself than the majority of people. Study the questions carefully, come back to them once each week for several months, and be astounded at the amount of additional knowledge of great value to yourself you will have gained by the simple method of answering the questions truthfully.

You have absolute control over but one thing, and that is your thoughts. This is the most significant and inspiring of all facts known to man. It reflects man divine nature. This divine prerogative is the sole means by which you may control your own destiny. If you fail to control your own mind, you may be sure you will control nothing else. Your mind is your spiritual estate!

Men with negative minds tried to convince Thomas Edison that he could not build a machine that would record and reproduce the human voice, «because», they said, «no one else had ever produced such a machine.» Edison did not believe them. He knew that the mind could produce anything the mind could conceive and believe, and that knowledge was the thing that lifted the great Edison above the common herd.