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

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

"yeah yeah science and all, but... have you tried praying???"

wtf was that. looking at its popularity i opened this one expecting a proper self help book but literally got served a hefty dose of jesus instead. looking at the title what i thought was gonna deep dive into the mind's power turned into a sunday church pamphlet. wanted tips to boost my mood, not a sermon on why faith is the answer to everything.

when i'm promised a self-help book i expect strategies, exercises or insights grounded show more in psychology or personal development techniques, not chapters filled with biblical quotations and divine interventions as the sole solution to life's challenges.

i can't believe this show less