Carnegie, Hill & Peale Motivated Millions
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Navigating the twists and turns of life to achieve success can be like trying to stay on top of a fast-moving wave.
From the 1930s through the 1960s and beyond, people seeking fortune and fame have turned to three renowned authors and motivational speakers to show them the way – Dale Carnegie, Napoleon Hill, and Norman Vincent Peale.
From the Great Depression to post-WWII affluence, these motivators’ signature books focusing on positive thinking inspired millions around the world to turn their ideas, hard work, and dreams into personal and professional success.
Dale Carnegie’s core advice in How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936) is simple. The key to positive interactions with others is to show a genuine interest in them. “Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain.” Before pointing out someone’s mistakes, draw attention to your own. He said, “The only way to influence people is to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.”
Born on a Missouri farm in 1888, Carnegie had little money growing up but turned his public speaking and sales skills into a training empire – The Dale Carnegie Institute – teaching interpersonal and sales skills to people eager to climb the corporate ladder or start businesses.
Carnegie’s approach was in stark contrast to many other business people and leaders of his day – rather than focusing on being tough, he emphasized being kind. Encouraging, rather than belittling others. He said politeness was essential, noting that “all anyone wants is to be appreciated.”
Napoleon Hill’s main advice in Think and Grow Rich (1937) is: “Do it now.” Rather than waiting for the perfect idea or the perfect time, he said, “Start now with what you have and find better tools along the way.” He felt that the main obstacle to success was us, saying, “The only limitations are those we set up in our own minds.”
Born in a cabin in Virginia in 1883, Hill was from humble beginnings, writing his book at the height of the Great Depression. Identifying thirteen principles to achieve success, the book draws on Hills’ interviews with successful people, including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie, to determine what behaviors lead to success.
Hill thought that having a “definiteness of purpose” in life was critical to staying on the right track. He also recommended forming a “mastermind alliance” with like-minded people to cooperatively work toward achieving mutual goals.
Norman Vincent Peale’s key advice in The Power of Positive Thinking (1952) is “Believe in yourself.” He taught a “Three C’s” approach to positive thinking: Change, Commitment and Consistency. To change your life for the better, be committed and consistent. “Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Fill your life with love.”
A Protestant clergyman born in Ohio in 1898, Peale’s teachings mix theology and psychology, emphasizing the power that comes from a higher being and one’s own efforts. He encouraged people to be creative, saying, “Imagination is the true magic carpet.” Peale wrote 46 books and was on radio and TV for decades, hosting The Art of Living and What’s Your Trouble?
Peale believed there is a rhythm in life that we need to tune into to reduce stress and renew energy. He saw it in: “the roaring of the surf upon the sand…the rhythm of our own heart beats…the rhythmic and harmonious flow of nature itself…and the energy of Almighty God.” By aligning ourselves with this rhythm, we can find the right “tempo” to achieve our goals.
Carnegie…Hill…Peale. These three 20th Century thinkers, writers and motivators have left lasting marks on the concept of what it takes to succeed, still inspiring people today…and reminding us of the tidal wave of positive power contained in our own thoughts and dreams.
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