Biography
Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) wrote many influential books mainly on the topics, achievement and personal development. After his interview with leading industrialist then, Mr. Andrew Carnegie, he spent many years in researching the habits of top performers, which eventually led to books such as The Law of Success and the all time classic Think and Grow Rich. His collaboration with Clement Stone, Napoleon Hill Foundation continues to enrich entrepreneurship, and pathway to success.
Author Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Born On | 1883 (1) |
| Genre | nonfiction (30), self-help (20) |
| Category | Success (341) |
| Topics | goal setting (4), mindset (133), persistence (32), positive thinking (1), prosperity (1) |
| Audiences | entrepreneurs (1006), managers (441), salespeople (4), students (3111) |
Popularity Score
Napoleon Hill was an American author and lecturer whose ideas shaped the modern self-help movement. Best known for Think and Grow Rich (1937), he distilled interviews with business leaders into timeless principles of achievement. The Napoleon Hill book list spans The Law of Success, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, and Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind, among others. Hill emphasized desire, faith, autosuggestion, and the “Master Mind” concept, inspiring generations of entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and lifelong learners worldwide.
Interview Questions
What inspired Napoleon Hill to write Think and Grow Rich?
A 1908 interview with Andrew Carnegie challenged Hill to study success systematically. Over two decades, he interviewed and researched hundreds of high achievers, distilling their common principles into The Law of Success (1928) and later Think and Grow Rich (1937).
What does Hill mean by the “Master Mind” principle?
Hill defined a Master Mind as a coordinated alliance of two or more people who work in harmony toward a definite purpose. He believed the shared energy, ideas, and accountability of such a group create a multiplier effect on achievement.
Who were some figures Hill studied or referenced in his research?
He discussed lessons drawn from prominent figures of his era, including Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Alexander Graham Bell, and others in business and invention, using their stories to illustrate principles like persistence, specialized knowledge, and organized planning.
How many copies has Think and Grow Rich sold?
Estimates place total sales at over 100 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling self-help books of all time.
What is the core message of Hill’s philosophy?
Hill emphasized defining a clear purpose, cultivating desire and faith, applying autosuggestion, acquiring specialized knowledge, forming a Master Mind, and persisting through setbacks—turning ideas into organized plans and sustained action.