Few writers have made as deep an impact on the past century as Napoleon Hill (1883–1970). The Virginia-born journalist virtually defined the field of motivational literature in the first half of the twentieth century. His impact is reflected in the posterity of his work. Although you can find more hallowed books of metaphysics and therapeutic philosophy than Think and Grow Rich, The Law of Success, and others by Hill, few have attracted such sustained and varied readership. And few, I venture, will do more to improve your personal abilities and sense of purpose. This has been my experience.

With his first book, The Law of Success in 1928, Hill accomplished exactly what he set out to do, which was create a methodical “philosophy of success.” Over the years critics have complained that Hill’s notion of success is too single-minded or outwardly focused. (I challenge that, as Hill’s ethics run deeper than detected.) Others point to questionable aspects of his biography. (Like whether he really met and interviewed industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who never mentions Hill in his memoirs. I’m agnostic on this point.). And still others note Hill’s tendency to favor the powerful while running down policies of social equity. (I join in this criticism.) But these critiques, while valid to varying degrees, are blunted by the remarkable effectiveness of Hill’s program.

In order to understand Napoleon Hill, you must have the experience of really working with his ideas. I’ve met people who found themselves at a dead end in life only to immerse themselves in Think and Grow Rich and discover a new set of practical, actionable possibilities—of transforming fallow prospects into abundant ones by working with Hill’s insights. It happened to me.