Faith is the starting point of all accumulation… and honestly, that’s the part most people get wrong. They think action comes first, but Hill argues you need a foundational belief before anything else can happen. It’s the mental blueprint before the physical construction.
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Meaning
It means that before you can build wealth—or achieve any significant goal—you must first possess an unshakable belief that it’s possible for you. It’s the non-negotiable first step.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times. People want the result, but they skip this crucial mental phase. They try to build a skyscraper on sand. What Hill is talking about isn’t religious faith; it’s a practical, applied belief in your own vision. It’s the fuel that keeps you going when you get that tenth “no.” It’s the thing that makes you see opportunity where others see obstacles. Without that core faith, the first sign of trouble completely derails you. You just quit. But with it? You find a way. You pivot. You persist. That’s why it’s the starting point. Everything—the plan, the action, the hustle—flows from that single, powerful belief.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Wealth (107) |
| Topics | abundance (23), belief (103), faith (73) |
| Literary Style | didactic (370) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392) |
| Overall Quote Score | 82 (297) |
Origin & Factcheck
This comes straight from Napoleon Hill’s 1937 classic, Think and Grow Rich, published in the United States. It’s a cornerstone of his philosophy, born from his two-decade study of incredibly successful people like Andrew Carnegie. You sometimes see this sentiment misattributed to motivational speakers, but the source is definitively Hill.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Napoleon Hill (84) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Think and Grow Rich (37) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (530) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) wrote influential books on achievement and personal philosophy. After interviewing industrialist Andrew Carnegie, he spent years studying the habits of top performers, which led to The Law of Success and the classic Think and Grow Rich. Hill taught and lectured widely, promoting ideas like the Master Mind, definite purpose, and persistence. He collaborated with W. Clement Stone and helped launch the Napoleon Hill Foundation to preserve and extend his teachings. His work continues to shape self-help, entrepreneurship, and success literature.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Faith is the starting point of all accumulation of riches |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1937; ISBN: 978-1-59330-200-9; Latest Edition: 2020; Number of Pages: 320 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 3: Faith, Approximate page from 2020 edition: 59 |