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The Essence of Success: 163 Life Lessons from the Dean of Self-Development
Book by Nightingale, Earl
453 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1991
51 people are currently reading
1269 people want to read
About the author
Earl Nightingale
192 books555 followersEarl Nightingale was an American motivational speaker and author, known as the "Dean of Personal Development." He was the voice in the early 1950s of Sky King, the hero of a radio adventure series, and was a WGN radio show host from 1950 to 1956. Nightingale was the author of the Strangest Secret, which economist Terry Savage has called “…One of the great motivational books of all time“.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 7, 2021
Best personal development audiobook on the market!
Get the audiobook or CD set instead of the book.
An absolutely brilliant piece of work! This book is a goldmine of information on almost every conceivable subject including: The Importance of attitude, Enthusiasm, Listening skills, Public speaking tips, Writing tips, How to deliver a talk, The purpose of life, Goal setting, Happiness, Cultivating a healthy self-image, Marriage, What to teach your children, Being calm in a crazy world, The power of persistence, Imagination , Dealing with change, Risk taking, Cultivating creativity, Traits of a good leader, Overcoming stress, Patience, Developing good friendships and much more. Im blown away at how much value I received from this one book, I'm truly grateful to the author for taking the time to put it together. As an author myself, I can only imagine how much work it took to finish this project. It is truly an amazing piece of work.
I will add that the only thing better than the book is the audio version which is available for download on audible.com. I love the audible version because it allows you to take notes in the app as you listen to the audio program. The book is 450pages and the audio version is around 18hrs long.
Tony Rogers Jr
Author of Visionary: Making a difference in a world that needs YOU
Get the audiobook or CD set instead of the book.
An absolutely brilliant piece of work! This book is a goldmine of information on almost every conceivable subject including: The Importance of attitude, Enthusiasm, Listening skills, Public speaking tips, Writing tips, How to deliver a talk, The purpose of life, Goal setting, Happiness, Cultivating a healthy self-image, Marriage, What to teach your children, Being calm in a crazy world, The power of persistence, Imagination , Dealing with change, Risk taking, Cultivating creativity, Traits of a good leader, Overcoming stress, Patience, Developing good friendships and much more. Im blown away at how much value I received from this one book, I'm truly grateful to the author for taking the time to put it together. As an author myself, I can only imagine how much work it took to finish this project. It is truly an amazing piece of work.
I will add that the only thing better than the book is the audio version which is available for download on audible.com. I love the audible version because it allows you to take notes in the app as you listen to the audio program. The book is 450pages and the audio version is around 18hrs long.
Tony Rogers Jr
Author of Visionary: Making a difference in a world that needs YOU
May 3, 2015
This is the longest audiobook I've listened to, coming in at 27 hours. It was worth every minute I spent listening. Over the months it's taken me to listen to it, I've made incremental improvements which have made a difference in my life and that of the people around me.
January 14, 2013
I love Earl Nightingale!!!! Most of his stuff is audio and it's harder to find it in print but well worth looking for. He is amazing! He is inspiring and has great advice. I wish I could give him 6 stars.
November 21, 2017
The only negative point in this book is that old tapes from Earl Nightingale are not well restored and might prove unenjoyable to listen to, although his narration is among the best in recorded history. That's only ~10% of the book so it shouldn't deter you from purchasing it, but you should plan a relatively quiet environment and be prepared to lower the speed sometimes (if you're used to 2x speeds as I am). I averaged between 1.3 and 1.8x.
Everything else about this program is world-class advice for a great life. I've rarely seen a better collection of sound suggestions, on pretty much every topic. There are many quotes of famous (and unknown) authors throughout the book, which serve the many points quite well, and are very fruitful to ponder alone.
It's already long but covers a wide variety of things, so obviously you'll find useful using it as a starting point for self growth, read more specific books on each topic. But as far as general life advice goes, this is pure gold.
If you're already familiar with several works in this field, you'll probably recognize many a principle explained by Earl Nightingale, for he's probably the leader of them all; but repetition is always good to really integrate concepts, and besides few managed to word these so well as he did.
If you don't know these things, chances are you're missing out big time on your potential in this life.
For all these reasons, and because I've tremendously enjoyed this audiobook, I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Everyone.
Everything else about this program is world-class advice for a great life. I've rarely seen a better collection of sound suggestions, on pretty much every topic. There are many quotes of famous (and unknown) authors throughout the book, which serve the many points quite well, and are very fruitful to ponder alone.
It's already long but covers a wide variety of things, so obviously you'll find useful using it as a starting point for self growth, read more specific books on each topic. But as far as general life advice goes, this is pure gold.
If you're already familiar with several works in this field, you'll probably recognize many a principle explained by Earl Nightingale, for he's probably the leader of them all; but repetition is always good to really integrate concepts, and besides few managed to word these so well as he did.
If you don't know these things, chances are you're missing out big time on your potential in this life.
For all these reasons, and because I've tremendously enjoyed this audiobook, I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Everyone.
October 17, 2015
The reason I picked up this book was because I came across an audio book called '20 Minutes That Can Change Your Life' by Earl Nightingale on itunes. For only being twenty minutes, it was a great listen. The book however, is a very big book with lots of topics and tons of information. By the time I had finished it, I probably had ten bookmarks throughout the book just so I could come back and re-read those parts. If you like personal development books then this is a must have in your collection.
June 20, 2011
This is an excellent compilation of quotes, stories, anecdotes, philosophizing concerning secrets to success and happiness. An excellent read.
December 13, 2020
If you would have to pick only one book on motivation, self-development - THIS one is will answer everything. This book has e v e r y t h i n g your mind and soul need. Every best piece of advice is here and you don't have to look any further. Most of the modern self-help books are based upon the knowledge you can get by reading it. This is a collection of work and pieces Earl gathered over the years and it still is very relevant. Well, I guess our problems would remain the same?
Get this as an audio book (unabridged) to amuse yourself with Earl Nightingale's charming voice and classical music in the background. Value of this book is immense. As I said if you're not into non-fictional book, read/listen to this one and you're good. For the rest of your life, most likely. If you will use all the knowledge of course.
Become a better version of yourself.
Get this as an audio book (unabridged) to amuse yourself with Earl Nightingale's charming voice and classical music in the background. Value of this book is immense. As I said if you're not into non-fictional book, read/listen to this one and you're good. For the rest of your life, most likely. If you will use all the knowledge of course.
Become a better version of yourself.
June 13, 2019
I bought the audiobook and it was good content. Earl Nightingale's advice is excellent, and his voice is unique -- very melodic.
The odd thing about the audiobook is that it's broken up by another narrator and occasional music and it's really disorienting.
The odd thing about the audiobook is that it's broken up by another narrator and occasional music and it's really disorienting.
April 28, 2015
I've repeated the audio book about four times in a row I enjoyed it so much. Universal truths withstand the test of time.
March 15, 2017
I want to read this about five more times and tattoo it's wisdom on my mind.
March 12, 2016
Superb read! Certainly one to read over and over!
July 12, 2017
Life changing! Everyone should read this book.
February 23, 2019
I can only say it was a fantastic book! I'll re-read it again and recommend it to friends and family!
May 29, 2020
Very old school type writing but he is an expert in manifestation and positivity. Loved this book and his style
May 5, 2025
THOUGHTS SHAPE SUCCESS. “You become what you think about” is the root message, and it’s repeated a hundred ways: what you expect and focus on is usually what you get. “Man is not who he thinks he is, but what he THINKS, he IS.” Quick test: when asked “is the world treating you well?” a fast yes signals a healthy attitude.
ATTITUDE & OPPORTUNITY. The right attitude doesn’t just change perception - it literally brings hidden opportunities into view. Good things happen to those who expect them, and people’s results usually match their self-belief. If you believe you eventually can, you will never give up (and if you don’t, you almost never even try).
NEWNESS, ENTHUSIASM, AND GROWTH. Enthusiasm is easy for kids - they’re always learning something new. Adults get stuck by blocking new learning and sliding into routines. To feel alive and achieve, you must keep learning not for its own sake, but to maintain that spark for life. Most people lose steam midlife as curiosity dries up - they specialize, get trapped in their rut, and stop growing.
SERVICE, CONTRIBUTION, AND REWARD. Life’s rewards are always in balance with our service and contribution. Like the garden metaphor: most people try to snatch up the carrot as soon as it peeks up instead of taking care of the soil (“contribute more”) and waiting for it to grow (“bigger reward”). Focus on helping first, quietly, and trust that rewards will grow.
SELF-COMPARISON. Everyone feels inferior in something, but the smart ones don’t let it bother them. Next time you’re in a room full of people, remember: every one of them is insecure about something, too.
VISUALIZATION & FEAR. Worrying about failure is just as emotionally real as actually failing - your mind can’t tell the difference. So focus your inner talk on positive outcomes instead.
PRAISE & POSITIVITY. Make the world better by giving genuine, specific praise - it’s rare, it lifts others, and it trains your mind to seek out the good everywhere.
BREAKING OUT OF COMFORT ZONES. Seek out positive, exemplary friends even if it’s intimidating. Don’t shy away from those you see as “superior” - befriend them, and your world expands. You’ll seem like a great conversationalist if you listen more and talk less.
PROBLEM SOLVING. Tackle problems by breaking them into parts, and after immersing yourself in details, let your subconscious work - brilliance often strikes in the shower or while eating. Don’t repress daydreaming - it’s a source of creativity, not waste.
DIRECTION, GOALS, AND LIFE DESIGN. Be able to answer clearly where you’re headed in life. Thoughtful questions (“Would you trade lives/jobs/places with someone else?”) clarify your true priorities.
JOY IN THE PRESENT. If you’re not finding joy today, you won’t find it tomorrow either. Don’t live a “hurried and worried” life - slow down and enjoy what you’re doing, like tending your garden even if the world ends tonight.
RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIP, AND COURTESY. People grow apart - don’t feel guilty about letting go of old friends if you’re not aligned anymore. Be as courteous with those closest to you as with strangers. Whatever you give in relationships comes back. As a leader, your purpose is to help people become who they want to be. Most people mirror the energy you bring, so meet strangers as you wish to be treated.
EGO, CONFLICT, AND LEADERSHIP. Be humble: ��I might be wrong about this, but it seems to me…” And admitting you’re wrong doesn’t weaken your reputation - it can actually strengthen trust. Always demanding to be right usually just damages relationships. “Leadership is the highest form of service” - the best leaders serve their teams, not the other way around. True leaders aren’t power-hungry; they’re recognized because of their example, not ambition.
COMMUNICATION & THINKING. Communication skills control the bulk of your income. Whenever you speak, you’re selling - so phrase things carefully. When You don’t know an instant answer, replying “let me think about that, it’s an important question” actually makes you look smarter in business.
GROWTH & HUMILITY. Real education is about helping people become creative, autonomous, purpose-driven, not just absorbing facts. If you want to get ideas across, inception works better than force - plant seeds, don’t hammer them in. Subtle suggestion beats argument.
COMMUNICATION & SIMPLICITY. Write and speak as if chatting with a friend; ditch the formality. The best speeches use simple words and vivid stories. Good speakers never overstay their welcome, avoid forced jokes, and make every line or story its own mini-punchline. Mirror your audience’s language and attention span, and try to genuinely like your listeners - people sense that.
PRESENCE & LEGACY. Living fully today turns every yesterday into a good memory and every tomorrow into a hopeful vision.
ATTITUDE & OPPORTUNITY. The right attitude doesn’t just change perception - it literally brings hidden opportunities into view. Good things happen to those who expect them, and people’s results usually match their self-belief. If you believe you eventually can, you will never give up (and if you don’t, you almost never even try).
NEWNESS, ENTHUSIASM, AND GROWTH. Enthusiasm is easy for kids - they’re always learning something new. Adults get stuck by blocking new learning and sliding into routines. To feel alive and achieve, you must keep learning not for its own sake, but to maintain that spark for life. Most people lose steam midlife as curiosity dries up - they specialize, get trapped in their rut, and stop growing.
SERVICE, CONTRIBUTION, AND REWARD. Life’s rewards are always in balance with our service and contribution. Like the garden metaphor: most people try to snatch up the carrot as soon as it peeks up instead of taking care of the soil (“contribute more”) and waiting for it to grow (“bigger reward”). Focus on helping first, quietly, and trust that rewards will grow.
SELF-COMPARISON. Everyone feels inferior in something, but the smart ones don’t let it bother them. Next time you’re in a room full of people, remember: every one of them is insecure about something, too.
VISUALIZATION & FEAR. Worrying about failure is just as emotionally real as actually failing - your mind can’t tell the difference. So focus your inner talk on positive outcomes instead.
PRAISE & POSITIVITY. Make the world better by giving genuine, specific praise - it’s rare, it lifts others, and it trains your mind to seek out the good everywhere.
BREAKING OUT OF COMFORT ZONES. Seek out positive, exemplary friends even if it’s intimidating. Don’t shy away from those you see as “superior” - befriend them, and your world expands. You’ll seem like a great conversationalist if you listen more and talk less.
PROBLEM SOLVING. Tackle problems by breaking them into parts, and after immersing yourself in details, let your subconscious work - brilliance often strikes in the shower or while eating. Don’t repress daydreaming - it’s a source of creativity, not waste.
DIRECTION, GOALS, AND LIFE DESIGN. Be able to answer clearly where you’re headed in life. Thoughtful questions (“Would you trade lives/jobs/places with someone else?”) clarify your true priorities.
JOY IN THE PRESENT. If you’re not finding joy today, you won’t find it tomorrow either. Don’t live a “hurried and worried” life - slow down and enjoy what you’re doing, like tending your garden even if the world ends tonight.
RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIP, AND COURTESY. People grow apart - don’t feel guilty about letting go of old friends if you’re not aligned anymore. Be as courteous with those closest to you as with strangers. Whatever you give in relationships comes back. As a leader, your purpose is to help people become who they want to be. Most people mirror the energy you bring, so meet strangers as you wish to be treated.
EGO, CONFLICT, AND LEADERSHIP. Be humble: ��I might be wrong about this, but it seems to me…” And admitting you’re wrong doesn’t weaken your reputation - it can actually strengthen trust. Always demanding to be right usually just damages relationships. “Leadership is the highest form of service” - the best leaders serve their teams, not the other way around. True leaders aren’t power-hungry; they’re recognized because of their example, not ambition.
COMMUNICATION & THINKING. Communication skills control the bulk of your income. Whenever you speak, you’re selling - so phrase things carefully. When You don’t know an instant answer, replying “let me think about that, it’s an important question” actually makes you look smarter in business.
GROWTH & HUMILITY. Real education is about helping people become creative, autonomous, purpose-driven, not just absorbing facts. If you want to get ideas across, inception works better than force - plant seeds, don’t hammer them in. Subtle suggestion beats argument.
COMMUNICATION & SIMPLICITY. Write and speak as if chatting with a friend; ditch the formality. The best speeches use simple words and vivid stories. Good speakers never overstay their welcome, avoid forced jokes, and make every line or story its own mini-punchline. Mirror your audience’s language and attention span, and try to genuinely like your listeners - people sense that.
PRESENCE & LEGACY. Living fully today turns every yesterday into a good memory and every tomorrow into a hopeful vision.
July 9, 2016
This was ok. A lot of nice language and a lot of nice quotes, but not much more. A few mispronunciations threw me off (Carl Sagan, indisputable, vagaries), all the more so because he made a point of talking about how important "correct" pronunciation is.
October 27, 2016
I have listened to this entire series many many times. Sheer morning inspiration!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews