Think and Grow Rich The Authors Preface

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.