Think and Grow Rich The Authors Preface

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Questions and Answers

Who introduced the money-making secret to the author?

A young associate of Carnegie

The author himself

Andrew Carnegie (correct)

Charles M. Schwab

What did Carnegie believe about the formula for earning money?

It would reduce the time spent in school. (correct)

It is irrelevant to modern business practices.

It was only applicable to certain careers.

It should only be studied by wealthy individuals.

What was the author’s commitment regarding the money-making secret?

To prepare himself and share it with others. (correct)

To analyze it without application.

To dismiss it as unvaluable.

To keep it a secret for two decades.

What was Carnegie's opinion about traditional education?

Much of it is useless for earning a living. Signup and view all the answers

Which company’s organization story will the reader find in Chapter 2?

United States Steel Corporation Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate value of the secret application made by Charles M. Schwab in today's dollars?

$12.5 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which individual is noted for using the secret to gain freedom for his people and later became president of the Philippines?

Manuel L. Quezon Signup and view all the answers

Which notable figure used the secret effectively to become the world’s greatest inventor?

Thomas A. Edison Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the secret reportedly have on those who successfully used it?

They were swept into success with little effort. Signup and view all the answers

How is the secret said to be passed on to individuals who are ready for it?

In a manner where it remains uncovered yet visible. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome for Arthur Nash after applying the secret to his near-bankrupt business?

The business flourished and became profitable. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between the secret and education?

Education has no bearing on the ability to use the secret. Signup and view all the answers

Which was not a benefit mentioned regarding those who discovered and used the secret?

Assurance of constant wealth. Signup and view all the answers

How long was the research done at the request of Mr. Carnegie?

20 years Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor in raising the funds needed for World War I according to the content?

The secret distributed to soldiers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preface Summary

Author (Napoleon Hill) details a "money-making secret" revealed by Andrew Carnegie, tested by thousands, and believed to revolutionize education.
Carnegie believed the secret could be applied to all walks of life, leading to financial success, personal betterment, and potentially even societal change.
Carnegie felt formal education was often irrelevant to financial success and that practical application of a specific formula was more valuable for accumulating wealth.
The secret is tested in various walks of life, like business, law, politics, etc. Success stories of various famous individuals (e.g., Charles M. Schwab, Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller) are highlighted.
A key idea of the secret is its accessibility across different backgrounds, and it's not dependent on formal education.
The secret's success isn't accidental but rather a result of those ready to apply the principles of success.
The "secret" isn't explicitly named; Instead, chapters will reveal its underlying principles.

The Secret's Characteristics

Practical application: The secret, despite its importance, was tested extensively by thousands before being formalized within the book.
Availability: Carnegie believed the secret, or a formula developed in conjunction with similar principles, should be taught in all public schools and colleges.
Accessibility: Education level is irrelevant to applying the secret; Carnegie's associates with limited formal education benefited greatly from the secret.
Recognition: The secret's presence within the book is subtle. It's meant to be detected and understood by those who are ready to apply it.
Worth and value: The successful application of the secret by different people has demonstrably achieved incredible value and success. It's equated to a "formula" for success.

The Carnegie Secret and Success

Inspiration and Motivation: The book explicitly outlines positive inspiration from the successful use of the secret by numerous individuals.
Recognizing success: The "secret" doesn't consist of a single, specific action. Success, wealth, and achievement are not considered random occurrences but are tied to a specific concept learned by others.
Success is Within Reach: The book's message is that anyone seeking success can have it. This is tied to the idea that those actively seeking success will recognize, and possibly employ the secret.
Success is Not Free: Success through the application of the secret requires intentionality and effort. There's no "something for nothing."
Education vs. Experience: The book subtly suggests formal education is not crucial for success compared to practical application of principles. Carnegie's success was based on specific skills and insights into money-making ideas applied by his associates.

Key Individuals and Examples of Success

The preface lists dozens of well-known Americans, including presidents, industrialists, inventors, and prominent figures from various fields, who reportedly used or benefited from the secret.
These examples demonstrate potential for success across diverse backgrounds, implying the secret's universality.
Their accomplishments (e.g., financial success, leadership in their respective fields) are presented as evidence of the value of the secret.

Understanding the Secret

The secret's discovery: Success, as described in the book, is connected to understanding and subsequently applying certain principles.
Starting point for success: The book suggests the secret starts with an idea or an understanding of one's goal. Those prepared to use the secret will recognize the secret when they encounter it.
Preparation is key: Readiness and intention to uncover and apply the secret are pivotal pre-conditions. This can be compared to a set of instructions, which must be recognized and acted on.
Personal application: The book emphasizes self-discovery. The key to understanding the formula will appear within oneself. This self-discovery is described as crucial.

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Description

Explore the preface of 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill, where the author discusses a transformative 'money-making secret' revealed by Andrew Carnegie. This secret emphasizes practical application over formal education for achieving financial success and outlines how it can be applied across various fields. Discover the principles that have helped numerous individuals achieve their dreams.