University Of Success Ch 10

The "Acres of Diamonds" Speech

• The Speaker: Russell H. Conwell delivered the "Acres of Diamonds" speech over 5,000 times, earning millions of dollars and founding Temple University.
• Themes:
  • Everyone has the opportunity for success within their own environment.
  • Success is often right under our noses.
  • Discontentment can lead to poverty, while contentment can bring wealth.
• The Story of Ali Hafed:
  • An ancient Persian farmer who owned a farm with orchards, grain fields, and gardens.
  • He was wealthy and content, but a Buddhist priest told him about diamonds and their value, planting the seed of discontent.
  • Obsessed with finding diamonds, Ali Hafed sold his farm and traveled the world in search of them, eventually dying a poor man.
• The Discovery of the Golconda Diamond Mines:
  • After Ali Hafed’s departure, the new owner of his farm found a diamond while drinking water from a garden brook.
  • This discovery led to the uncovering of the Golconda diamond mines, which yielded some of the most valuable diamonds in history.
• The Moral of the Story:
  • Ali Hafed was focused on finding diamonds elsewhere when he had "acres of diamonds" right in his own backyard.
  • The story serves as a metaphor for the importance of recognizing and pursuing opportunities in our own surroundings.
• Further Examples:
  • A man in California sold his ranch because he heard of gold discoveries in Southern California. His ranch, however, was later found to be on top of a gold deposit worth millions.
  • A Pennsylvanian farmer sold his farm for $833 after finding a flood of coal oil on his property, which was later valued at billions of dollars.
• The Importance of Understanding Our Environment:
  • The speaker emphasizes the significance of understanding our own surroundings and recognizing the opportunities they might hold.
  • He suggests pursuing knowledge and understanding of our local areas to uncover potential wealth.
• The Potential for Wealth in Philadelphia:
  • The speaker asserts that Philadelphia has "acres of diamonds" within reach of its citizens.
  • He argues that the city offers unique opportunities for wealth creation, especially for those with limited capital.
• The Importance of Knowledge:
  • The speaker underscores the importance of knowledge and understanding as a valuable asset, even more valuable than capital.
• The Story of the Hingham Carpenter:
  • A man who was out of work whittled wooden chains for his children.
  • A neighbor suggested he make toys and sell them, but the carpenter was hesitant.
  • The carpenter then asked his children for ideas on what to make.
  • This story highlights the power of listening to our children and recognizing untapped potential.

The importance of judging the human heart

• The author uses the example of a toymaker who became rich by making toys his children liked.
• The author concludes that to be successful in manufacturing, one must judge the human heart by oneself, one's wife, or one's children.
• The author says that it is the "royal road" to success in manufacturing.
• This implies that understanding the needs and preferences of others is key to successful business ventures.

The power of seeing opportunity

• A women in the audience took off a collar with a stuck button and decided to invent a better collar button.
• The author suggests that she saw a human need and a great fortune.
• The woman’s husband ridiculed her, yet she did not give up.
• It is this persistence, coupled with the ability to see opportunity, that led to her invention.

The importance of recognizing greatness

• The author emphasizes that greatness, as seen in the woman’s invention, exists around us but too often goes unrecognized.
• He argues that everyone has the potential for greatness within them.
• He also notes that commonly overlooked characteristics like practicality and persistence are crucial for achieving great things.

Greatness is not about location or title

• The author underlines that greatness is not about holding some future office or possessing grand titles.
• It is about achieving great deeds with little means.
• He emphasizes that greatness is found right where we are, in the everyday actions and contributions we make.
• The ability to improve one's own city, one's own community, is the ultimate measure of greatness.

Explore the themes of Russell H. Conwell's impactful 'Acres of Diamonds' speech. This quiz delves into the story of Ali Hafed and the critical lessons about contentment and the pursuit of success within our own environment. Test your knowledge and understanding of this profound message!