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The Power of Positive Thinking
by
"This book is written with the sole objective of helping the reader achieve a happy, satisfying, and worthwhile life."
-- Norman Vincent Peale
The precursor to The Secret, The Power of Positive Thinking has helped millions of men and women to achieve fulfillment in their lives. In this phenomenal bestseller, Dr. Peale demonstrates the power of faith in action. With the prac
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Hardcover, 128 pages
Published
May 1st 2007
by Fireside Books
(first published 1952)
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Altough i am a muslim but i found this book equally revealing, all of the methods and techniques i read in this book are easily applicable to any one regard less of their religion and faith. the thought which Mr Norman discussed in this book is already known to every muslim, but are long lost and forgotten, But thanks to him that i am now again connected to my roots and living at peace. I recommend reading this book with an open mind so that your cast, culture and religion will not interfear in
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This is a book that I am constantly reading on and off. I found it on a trip in Sante Fe, New Mexico. It turned up right in front of me while I was shopping at a local book store. You know how a book comes into your life just at the right time, well this is the book for me. It has helped change my life at a point when I needed it the most, I should say a very negative time in my life. I would recommend it to anyone. It is one of those books that you highlight and go back to reread parts of it ag
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WARNING: DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE TITLE OF THIS BOOK! I love books about positivity, self-improvement, etc. and after hearing so much about how this is one of the most inspirational and positive books ever written, I finally read it and promptly regretted it. This book is nothing more than propaganda and shameless marketing for the author's "church" (i.e., business). Just when I started thinking, "oh, I can get behind the concept he's teaching" -- BAM! -- there goes another sneaky advertising for
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If you are looking for a religious solution to your troubles, this is a fantastic book. The proven and time-tested practices outlined in this book should lead anyone to a life of mental and emotional health through faith in Jesus Christ. You can find the best edition here: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Positive...
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Though written over 50 years before "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne, it almost exactly mirrors that book. The terminology may be different ("pictureize" instead of "visualize") but the techniques are similar.
I've used techniques put forth in "The Secret" and in this book and they do work. Put bluntly, it has to be believed to work in order to work.
If nothing else, there is practical advice for the aid of sleeping, clearing your mind and reducing your level of anger in tense situations. Additional ...more
I've used techniques put forth in "The Secret" and in this book and they do work. Put bluntly, it has to be believed to work in order to work.
If nothing else, there is practical advice for the aid of sleeping, clearing your mind and reducing your level of anger in tense situations. Additional ...more
May 18, 2008
Viraj
rated it
it was ok
Recommends it for:
a few
Recommended to Viraj by:
-
Shelves:
self-help
No citations. When an author says: "here is a story when a woman/man who had XYZ difficulty, used these principles had remarkable results", it turns me off. Any random person can come up with such stories. No citations / no names. The mantra given are fine and ok style too, but I felt that the emphasis on Christianity was unnecessary. Not that it offended me, I don't care, but it implies unnecessary that other religions don't have the same / good teachings.
Anyway, put me to sleep too. :(
There ...more
Anyway, put me to sleep too. :(
There ...more
A few people told me that that this was among the great self-improvement books. Not knowing anything about the book or author, I decided to read it. Because of the recommendations I had received, I was very surprised at how explicitly Christian the book is; I was expecting a secular "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" kind of self-improvement book. Instead, the author focuses on prayer and involving God in every aspect of your life; and not just in one or two chapters, but all of them.
I'm ...more
I'm ...more
Prior to reading this, I didn't know that is was a Christianity based self-help book. The information in this book has been rehashed in The Secret and many other self-help books. Why? Because it works.
I don't know when cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) was introduced, but this books has lots of techniques from that as well, and CBT has been proven to help eliminate anxiety and depression.
In summary, one has to renew our thoughts and speech and this will in turn change our thinking process, whic ...more
I don't know when cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) was introduced, but this books has lots of techniques from that as well, and CBT has been proven to help eliminate anxiety and depression.
In summary, one has to renew our thoughts and speech and this will in turn change our thinking process, whic ...more
Sep 18, 2008
Kathleen
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
no one
I found this book pretty useless. I understand the power of faith in God, but if you're going to write a whole book you need to have something other than that mantra repeated on every page. There are no practical tips and its written as if he's a grade school teacher talking to his students. Read Pema Chodron instead, or even Martin Seligman's books about optimism and happiness.
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I read this book over 35 years ago, at a stage in my life when I needed to leave home and go out into the world. It did help me then. I decided to re-read it as I am at a different stage in life, will soon be the big 60 and don't want to turn into a grumpy old woman! It is easy to lapse into grumbling and groaning - especially when it is all you hear at work and from the friends who have become negative. Well, I did enjoy the book and it has reminded me that looking at life positively (every clo
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Aug 26, 2020
Tharindu Dissanayake
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites-self-improvement,
favorites
"One never does wrong by doing right."
Dr Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking is a very analytical yet mostly religious approach to conditioning a one's mind toward successful living. Instead of recommending a set of superficial instructions, author reaches a much deeper level to provide the reader with an excellent set of guidelines, to be adopted in to our core habits.
"our physical condition is determined very largely by our emotional condition, and our emotional life is profoundly regulated ...more
Dr Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking is a very analytical yet mostly religious approach to conditioning a one's mind toward successful living. Instead of recommending a set of superficial instructions, author reaches a much deeper level to provide the reader with an excellent set of guidelines, to be adopted in to our core habits.
"our physical condition is determined very largely by our emotional condition, and our emotional life is profoundly regulated ...more
Jan 02, 2014
Asha Seth
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Shelves:
non-fiction,
2014
The Power of Positive Thinking was my first book for 2014 and I am glad I chose to start the year surfing on positive sails. Lately, I have turned quite picky about the books I read owing to the very little time I get to spare. So, just when I find all but raving reviews about this book, I get fortunate enough to receive an audiobook from Reado and all I have to do is plug the earphones and there I go!
About this book, I can write for pages together since there is so much the author has generous ...more
About this book, I can write for pages together since there is so much the author has generous ...more
Things I’ve learned from this book. Rather, things that this book slapped me back to reality;
1. Follow the laws of God.
2. Remember the three formula: Prayerize, Picturize, Actualize.
3. Practice the attitude of putting everything in God’s hands. Pray a great deal and always let your prayer take the form of thanksgiving on the assumption that God is giving you great and wonderful things, because He surely is. But do ask too for the ability to do your best and leave the results confidently to God.
4 ...more
1. Follow the laws of God.
2. Remember the three formula: Prayerize, Picturize, Actualize.
3. Practice the attitude of putting everything in God’s hands. Pray a great deal and always let your prayer take the form of thanksgiving on the assumption that God is giving you great and wonderful things, because He surely is. But do ask too for the ability to do your best and leave the results confidently to God.
4 ...more
Apr 09, 2012
Heidi
added it
Every time I read this book, I tell myself I should read it every year. And then I forget for seven or eight years before stumbling across it again. But it always seems to appear in my life when I need it, so I guess that's okay.
Norman Vincent Peale gives chapter after chapter of tangible ways to feel happier. Some of the examples are a little dated now (those darned Communists better not take over the country!) but most of it is still practicable today. Coming from an unapologetically Christian ...more
Norman Vincent Peale gives chapter after chapter of tangible ways to feel happier. Some of the examples are a little dated now (those darned Communists better not take over the country!) but most of it is still practicable today. Coming from an unapologetically Christian ...more
Norman Vincent Peale, one of America’s most distinguished speakers was not born with that gift. As a child Norman was shy and retiring and had a terrible inferiority complex. Then to add to those feelings of inferiority, he was a preacher’s son and believed that he was expected to be perfect. Well, he didn’t want to be perfect he wanted to be hard-boiled and something else, he vowed never to become a preacher. He grew up in a religious family and as part of the church community from time to time ...more
My father forced me to listen to this drivel for weeks on end when I was 12. Even then, I did not find the ideas in this book the least bit persuasive or helpful.
One of Peale's friends is quoted as saying "Every day when I wake up I realise I have a choice. I can be happy or unhappy. So what do I do? I'm not dumb. I just CHOOSE to be happy." What nonsense. I am reminded of a particularly callous sermon I had the misfortune of listening to in Japan back in 2010, where a pampered pastor described ...more
One of Peale's friends is quoted as saying "Every day when I wake up I realise I have a choice. I can be happy or unhappy. So what do I do? I'm not dumb. I just CHOOSE to be happy." What nonsense. I am reminded of a particularly callous sermon I had the misfortune of listening to in Japan back in 2010, where a pampered pastor described ...more
A physician friend of mine told of a patient he had who was suffering with severe stomach pains. He told that patient: "the bible says; What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” That man went on to become the top salesman at his company!
Listening to this audio book, read by the author, was a lot like having your great-grandfather read the passage above. But I don't mean to diminish the power of reading the bible or the power of thinking p ...more
Listening to this audio book, read by the author, was a lot like having your great-grandfather read the passage above. But I don't mean to diminish the power of reading the bible or the power of thinking p ...more
Feb 09, 2008
Carl
rated it
liked it
Recommends it for:
those seeking self-help with religious undertones
Shelves:
self-motivation
A bit too religious. Norman Vincent Peele has written dozens of books. This is perhaps his most widely known one. As I said, it is a bit to laden with religion for my taste. He is a preacher, so a certain amount is to be expected, but I was excited when I came across the book in a store, and disappointed by the time I finished it...
B/B = BORROW
B/B = BORROW
I have always considered myself to be optimistic and positive. I’m the one in the group that always find inspiration in the bright side, sometimes annoyingly so to everyone else. I had high hopes for The Power of Positive Thinking when I started reading the book, but no matter how hard I tried to stay positive I just could not get passed how ridiculous I felt for reading it. Don’t get me wrong, I pride myself for my positivity in adverse situations, but this book seriously made me want to stab m
...more
Apr 09, 2012
Jason
added it
Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking was first published in 1952 after World War II. His book tried to give optimism to a post war culture; it also began the self-help genre. Peale’s book is based on the title as it encourages the reader to try his method of positive thinking to live a richer and more rewarding life. But explicit in the title is not just mere change, but instead his approach preachers power to transform the reader’s life. So how does he say that this is possible
...more
Oh boy. I didn't actually read this one, I just listened to the audio book during a long car ride. It's read by the author, bless his heart, who was ninety-five years young when he recorded it, but doesn't sound a day over ninety-four. It's really more like a good old-fashioned Protestant sermon with a lot of anecdotal evidence and feel-good testimonials. Recommended for terminally upbeat people with the bi-annual blues.
...more
This is my favorite book. It has changed my life and my thinking. Even though it was written in the 1950's, the same principles apply today. Please read this if you haven't already!
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It's said that Norman is the father of positive thinking. I don't know if it's true but this book is really helpful.
The book utilizes many quotes in the Bible as the author is a pastor, which may cause some kind of discomfort for layman. But emphasizes many principles of life that one cannot neglect on his way to progress: the power of prayer, expecting the best, having faith, believe in the Higher Power (God), relax to get work done, being a comfortable person and interested in people to get p ...more
The book utilizes many quotes in the Bible as the author is a pastor, which may cause some kind of discomfort for layman. But emphasizes many principles of life that one cannot neglect on his way to progress: the power of prayer, expecting the best, having faith, believe in the Higher Power (God), relax to get work done, being a comfortable person and interested in people to get p ...more
Absolutly fantastic book. When I started reading this book, I was completely unknown to the fact that the book has been based on the principles of Chrisinaty and The Bible. Though I am religious man, I was suprised to read and find the similarity of the quotes/passages from The Holy Bible and The Bhagvadgeeta as "Karmaney vadhikarste, ma faleshu kadachan" which means keep doing your work by having faith on the God and the God will give you the fruits, which is similary stated in The Holy Bible a
...more
Mar 21, 2008
Jeremiah
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-to-burn-after-reading
I dont usually go for books in the self help genre but then I like to read books that friends recommend. Someone recommended this to me but I had a hard time getting past theology that the author takes as a given from his readers.
3.5 rouded up.
I stopped reading after the second page but I did read various random selections to affirm my initial thoughts. All the one star reviews are accurate. Conversations quoted by the author are completely unrealistic (seem fabricated) and one section I read seems to assert that God/Jesus solves alcoholism. The author basically says "I'm not saying Jesus saves people from alcoholism but Jesus saves people from alcoholism and if he can do that, imagine what else he can do!" In my opinion, the title is
...more
I was going to read "The Secret" but for some reason felt that I should read this book instead. I'm so glad I did. I really enjoyed the message of this book. It is an uplifting read. My life has been changed for the better by reading it. I noticed that some people complain in their reviews about there being too much religion in the book. But the whole point of the book is that if we look to God, we will be more positive in our every day lives and therefore have better lives in the process. How c
...more
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Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) was a minister and author (most notably of The Power of Positive Thinking) and a progenitor of the theory of "positive thinking".
Peale was born in Bowersville, Ohio. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School, Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has earned degrees at Ohio Wesleyan University (where he became a brother of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta) and Boston Unive ...more
Peale was born in Bowersville, Ohio. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School, Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has earned degrees at Ohio Wesleyan University (where he became a brother of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta) and Boston Unive ...more
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