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The Tough-Minded Optimist
"If you want to live in this tough world and still have some real faith and optimism, this book is for you." -- Norman Vincent Peale
The many ills of the modern world can be debilitating. With so much seemingly senseless violence, pain, and destruction, we need a lot of inner strength to overcome cynicism and despair -- and to remain hopeful about the future. With Dr. Peale's careful guidance, you can achieve happiness and security by learning how
• Conquer your fear
• Free yourself of guilty feelings
• Live well and prosper, personally and professionally
• Become physically healthy -- the natural way
• Stay enthusiastic even in poor circumstances
• Tackle problems hopefully and creatively
• Harness the power of prayer
The many ills of the modern world can be debilitating. With so much seemingly senseless violence, pain, and destruction, we need a lot of inner strength to overcome cynicism and despair -- and to remain hopeful about the future. With Dr. Peale's careful guidance, you can achieve happiness and security by learning how
• Conquer your fear
• Free yourself of guilty feelings
• Live well and prosper, personally and professionally
• Become physically healthy -- the natural way
• Stay enthusiastic even in poor circumstances
• Tackle problems hopefully and creatively
• Harness the power of prayer
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1961
64 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Norman Vincent Peale
722 books1,349 followersDr. 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 University School of Theology.
Raised as a Methodist and ordained as a Methodist minister in 1922, Peale changed his religious affiliation to the Reformed Church in America in 1932 and began a 52-year tenure as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. During that time the church's membership grew from 600 to over 5000, and he became one of New York City's most famous preachers.
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 University School of Theology.
Raised as a Methodist and ordained as a Methodist minister in 1922, Peale changed his religious affiliation to the Reformed Church in America in 1932 and began a 52-year tenure as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. During that time the church's membership grew from 600 to over 5000, and he became one of New York City's most famous preachers.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 23, 2015
I am naturally an extremely pessimistic person. The glass is always almost empty containing a liquid that is either a minute away from turning or is something I probably wouldn’t like to begin with. This is my crunchy other shell that protects my gooey innards from life. It is also a “don’t look behind the curtain” trick that only fools those who shouldn’t be anywhere near me to begin with.
You would think with an outlook like this that I wouldn’t be open to exploring new concepts, but that isn’t the case at all. This is where my avid reading comes in and thanks to my company’s education program, I am able to venture further into areas that I definitely would not normally trek. I scanned their list and happened upon this find, it being completely out of my interest pool which instantly made it the most necessary to read. This plan typically benefits me, but not this time. The cover and publication date were my first warning that things were not going to go great. I would use the word obsolete to describe it, but that is way too new and fancy of a word. I will slap an old and dusty outdated on it instead and call it good.
The gist of the book is pray. If you need guidance, pray. If life is tough, pray. If you have negative thoughts, pray. Don’t fret, don’t stress, just pray. It’s a great message; I just don’t know why the author had to overwrite the book about it.
I really tried to be open-minded but after each chapter I found myself more and more peeved instead. Even chanting over and over again “it was a different time” couldn’t reinforce the measly dam that I had attempted to place against my negative attitude. My breaking point was reached after reading the “medicine is bad, just pray” chapter and the “weeping woman” chapter. One alone and I could have managed, two and I was done.
What killed me the most was the author’s perspective on two stories that covered the same basic topic. Early on he had mentioned a story about a woman who had attempted suicide after hiding an affair from her husband. He speculated on the whys, none of which being directed towards the husband in anyway. Then he went on to deliver his message; suicide is not the answer, pray instead. Then we came to another cheating story, this time the husband was the cheater. The author was quick to point out the error of the wife’s ways, not sacrificing and devoting herself to the husband. His message to her: stop your whining, be a better wife and pray.
So…
-First woman is wrong for having an affair and attempting suicide because of it, and the man is all good.
-Second woman is wrong for not devoting herself to her husband which led to his infidelity, and the man is still all good.
Obviously I had to change the chant in my mind to be able to stomach the rest of his writing. I chose something more suitable, “you’re an asshole” and my mood improved remarkably.
Thanks Denis Leary.
You would think with an outlook like this that I wouldn’t be open to exploring new concepts, but that isn’t the case at all. This is where my avid reading comes in and thanks to my company’s education program, I am able to venture further into areas that I definitely would not normally trek. I scanned their list and happened upon this find, it being completely out of my interest pool which instantly made it the most necessary to read. This plan typically benefits me, but not this time. The cover and publication date were my first warning that things were not going to go great. I would use the word obsolete to describe it, but that is way too new and fancy of a word. I will slap an old and dusty outdated on it instead and call it good.
The gist of the book is pray. If you need guidance, pray. If life is tough, pray. If you have negative thoughts, pray. Don’t fret, don’t stress, just pray. It’s a great message; I just don’t know why the author had to overwrite the book about it.
I really tried to be open-minded but after each chapter I found myself more and more peeved instead. Even chanting over and over again “it was a different time” couldn’t reinforce the measly dam that I had attempted to place against my negative attitude. My breaking point was reached after reading the “medicine is bad, just pray” chapter and the “weeping woman” chapter. One alone and I could have managed, two and I was done.
What killed me the most was the author’s perspective on two stories that covered the same basic topic. Early on he had mentioned a story about a woman who had attempted suicide after hiding an affair from her husband. He speculated on the whys, none of which being directed towards the husband in anyway. Then he went on to deliver his message; suicide is not the answer, pray instead. Then we came to another cheating story, this time the husband was the cheater. The author was quick to point out the error of the wife’s ways, not sacrificing and devoting herself to the husband. His message to her: stop your whining, be a better wife and pray.
So…
-First woman is wrong for having an affair and attempting suicide because of it, and the man is all good.
-Second woman is wrong for not devoting herself to her husband which led to his infidelity, and the man is still all good.
Obviously I had to change the chant in my mind to be able to stomach the rest of his writing. I chose something more suitable, “you’re an asshole” and my mood improved remarkably.
Thanks Denis Leary.
December 7, 2012
It might not have sold as many copies, but this is a much better book than Peale's The Power Of Positive Thinking.
For one, Peale is now ten years older and has endured significant derision from mental health experts, one of whom even directly accused him of being a con man and a fraud, and from theologians - even called a heretic by some.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_V...
The Tough-Minded Optimist strikes a much more realistic tone than Peale's earlier attempts, and reflects on his own conversion to Christ, and some of his internal struggles with the criticisms directed against him.
A great read!
For one, Peale is now ten years older and has endured significant derision from mental health experts, one of whom even directly accused him of being a con man and a fraud, and from theologians - even called a heretic by some.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_V...
The Tough-Minded Optimist strikes a much more realistic tone than Peale's earlier attempts, and reflects on his own conversion to Christ, and some of his internal struggles with the criticisms directed against him.
A great read!
May 20, 2008
This is a real classic!
January 8, 2016
I learned a great deal from this book about outlook Etc. I advise everyone to give it a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2016
Fabulous Read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2018
my husband and i love to read Peale's books. they've definitely helped us during challenging times.
May 11, 2024
Even if you are not Christian, (as this book does quote the scripture) - This book raises some important points and discussion - about the type of character and thinking you must have - to show resilience in the face of the problems we all will inevitably face in our journeying life and towards our goals
…worthwhile read although not entirely relatable at timers due to the authors reference to a lot about his specific life - but I guess lessons to be learned between the lines, which can be applied elsewhere.
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
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…worthwhile read although not entirely relatable at timers due to the authors reference to a lot about his specific life - but I guess lessons to be learned between the lines, which can be applied elsewhere.
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
August 4, 2019
Although a bit dated now in its language and references, the general concepts the Peale speaks of are universal and timeless. Worth a read to understand that the idea of a positive mindset, capable of change is a long held tenant for success.
June 9, 2022
Good book
August 9, 2024
Sold in the idea of science written on the basis of religion
May 26, 2025
Outstanding classic. This book shaped my life when I had obstacles, which I thought were insurmontable. Great philosophy and mindset to keep for a lifetime.
May 17, 2019
Good book but sometimes is a little bit slow
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews