Norman Vincent Peale (1891–1993)

All those books about "manifesting" what you want, letting the universe know your desire, affirmations, etc. are all children of this book "The Power of Positive Thinking". My mom swore by this book, and I see why -- she was very religious and this book could be called "the power of prayer" because Peale uses Bible verses as the affirmations and posits that repeating these lines will create the positive outcome you want in your life. I read this book when I was depressed and feeling low show more about myself. The one thing that helped me from this book was when Peale spoke about negative self-talk. I recognized the voice in my head as being a constant refrain of put-downs and criticism. He had some suggestions on how to stop repeating these negative things to yourself. Once I realized I was doing this, and actively tried to turn that around, I began to feel better. Basically, if nothing else, "the power of positive thinking" helped me control (at least a little bit) the negative self-talk. For that insight alone, I will keep this book just in case I need to remind myself to not self-sabotage. show less

This classic which was copyrighted in 1952 according to the edition I borrowed from the library is still extremely popular; I wasn’t allowed to renew the book since several potential readers were queuing up for it.

The author provides us with techniques by which we can improve our lives, together with case histories of those who have been helped.

Rev. Peale apparently travelled around the country (USA) holding talks and so on and constantly met up with people who told him their success show more stories by using his methods.

His favourite affirmation, which is from Philippians 4:13, is “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Not being a keen Bible reader myself, I find this archaic language challenging (and my computer programme Word objects to it too, but I understood it to mean “Through Christ I can do everything that strengthens me.”

Peale advises those who feel they lack power and confidence to repeat the sentence several times after getting into bed at night and then three times in the morning before getting up. This should be done with an attitude of faith.

One man reported that this formula did wonders for him.

The author quotes the psychiatrist Dr Karl Menninger as saying “Attitudes are more important than facts.” He also quotes Emerson as stating “They conquer who believe they can.”

We are given many valuable precepts to follow, for example:

1) Form a mental picture of yourself as succeeding.
2) Whenever a negative thought concerning your personal powers comes to mind, deliberately voice a positive thought to cancel it out.
3) Ten times a day repeat “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
4) Put yourself in God’s hands. Simply state “I am in God’s hands.” Then believe you are NOW receiving all the power you need. Feel it flowing into you.
5)
Practice emptying your mind of fears, hates, insecurities and guilt feelings. Do this at least twice a day. This will give you relief.

Practice thinking peaceful thoughts, focusing on words such as “tranquillity” and “serenity”.

One of the author’s main pieces of advice is to start to read the Bible.

He also recommends “a daily practice of silence”, at least 15 minutes of absolute quiet every twenty-four hours. He quotes Thomas Carlyle as stating “Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves”.

He gives us a chapter about how to have constant energy and one about trying “prayer power”.

Some negative aspects of the book were as follows:

1) At one point Peale rails against communism. “No one has more contempt for communism than I have”. What has that to do with anything?
2) Though most of Peale’s clients seem to have been women (nothing has changed there), he addresses the readers as though they’re all men, sometimes advising us to say affirmations or the like while gazing into the mirror in the morning while shaving.

I realize that this latter characteristic of the author’s writing was a sign of the times. Everyone was presumed to be male, males after all being the absolutely more important gender (Satire!)

Other outdated uses of words were the continual reference to “fine” meaning “good” persons. Catherine Ponder uses this word frequently too. There are also many “gay” people” though the meaning here is the original one, not the one we nowadays attribute to the word.

But, to sum up, the book, though markedly dated (and it can’t help that) is well-written, inspiring and filled with effective life-improving spiritual techniques. show less

There's absolutely nothing new here. What Norman Vincent Peale is preaching through a lot (a lot!) of long and repetitive anecdotes is roughly what has been said by others across cultures and centuries that is, happiness comes from within. His 'positive thinking' is indeed nothing more than an invite to cultivate a positive mind-set and, thus, feed a positive attitude towards whatever life throws at you. The only catch is, being a Christian he sells his religion on top of it all -insisting show more that having faith in God and praying are the tools needed to keep such positivity.

I am far from being a pious person and, religious faith and prayers are just placebos as far as I am concerned so, obviously, his spirituality went over my head (when I didn't find it completely nuts, like the chapters on afterlife!). However, I nevertheless wholeheartedly agree with his core message that is, a good life starts with a good mind and, it has to be constantly cultivated. Fill yours with God or, just faith in yourself, in the end what matters is that positive thinking not only brings peace of mind (no matter how tough to keep) but, also allows you to let go of fear and lack of confidence:

'Learn to expect, not to doubt.'

Having said that, we can find other reads far shorter, more to the point and, more importantly for a staunch atheist like me, not built upon religious faith! show less

As the entire world grapples with Covid 19, and the United States seems to be falling apart with massive cultural conflict, it seems a good time to read an inspirational book.

"The Power of Positive Thinking" is not a trendy new manual of ideas on how to resolve the countries problems, but focuses on the individual’s ability to bring more joy to everyday life and create inner peace and serenity. Enjoy success, contentment, and happiness all through the old-fashioned proven method of having show more faith in God and faith in yourself.

Norman Vincent Peale’s concept is based on tapping your own inner resources. Beginning with a chapter on believing in yourself – followed by chapters on how to have constant energy, how to create happiness, how to overcome fuming, fretting, and constant worry, and how to solve problems. Each chapter gives examples of true stories: a business man who feels like a failure, a guy who can’t seem to make friends, a heavy drinker who sees no future for himself, a lonely older woman who feels worthless with no purpose in life… all found positive results and solace in the power of positive thinking. And each chapter ends with a small list of beneficial tips to help achieve the desired results.

Norman Vincent Peale was a respected minister for over thirty years, however when first published his book was controversial in psychiatric circles as many doctors claimed the suggestions Peale makes are dangerous and unrealistic. Peale’s response was that of course you can’t just wish and pray your way into success. He strongly believed in self-analysis, forgiveness, character development, and growth. The bottom line is if you think you can’t do something - you never will, and if you persevere and have determination and a good attitude, with the proper skills, planning, training, and dedication you can succeed.

It’s all about tapping your own “God given” inner powers. Of course, atheists may find the content of this book slightly preposterous.

On finding happiness Peale says “Keep your heart free of hate, your mind free of worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine. Forget self, think of others. Do as you would be done by. Try this for a week and you will be surprised”. It reminds me of the saying “it is better to go through life as an optimist thinking your “glass is half full” than to go through life as a pessimist thinking your glass is half empty. I’m a half full kind of person, and I still found some useful tips in this book. Everyone can always use a little more love, and sunshine. show less