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Truthful Living: The First Writings of Napoleon Hill
New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Gitomer brings you the very foundation of Napoleon Hill’s self-help his long-lost original notes, letters, and lectures—now compiled, edited, and annotated for the modern reader.
Twenty years before the publication of his magnum opus Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill was an instructor, philosopher, and writer at the George Washington Institute in Chicago, where he taught courses in advertising and sales. These rare, never-before-seen lectures were thought to be lost to history. Until now.
Given exclusive access to the archives of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, Jeffrey Gitomer has unearthed Hill’s original course notes containing the fundamental beliefs in hard work and personal development that established Hill as a global leader of success and positive attitude.
In Truthful Living, Gitomer has captured Hill’s foundational wisdom for the twenty-first century. These easy-to-implement real-world strategies for life, family, business, and the bottom line prove as energizing and inspiring today as they were nearly one hundred years ago.
Twenty years before the publication of his magnum opus Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill was an instructor, philosopher, and writer at the George Washington Institute in Chicago, where he taught courses in advertising and sales. These rare, never-before-seen lectures were thought to be lost to history. Until now.
Given exclusive access to the archives of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, Jeffrey Gitomer has unearthed Hill’s original course notes containing the fundamental beliefs in hard work and personal development that established Hill as a global leader of success and positive attitude.
In Truthful Living, Gitomer has captured Hill’s foundational wisdom for the twenty-first century. These easy-to-implement real-world strategies for life, family, business, and the bottom line prove as energizing and inspiring today as they were nearly one hundred years ago.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2018
683 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Napoleon Hill
1,842 books5,393 followersOliver Napoleon Hill was an American self-help author and conman. He is best known for his book Think and Grow Rich (1937), which is among the best-selling self-help books of all time. Hill's works insisted that fervid expectations are essential to improving one's life. Most of his books were promoted as expounding principles to achieve "success".
Hill is a controversial figure. Accused of fraud, modern historians also doubt many of his claims, such as that he met Andrew Carnegie and that he was an attorney.
Hill is a controversial figure. Accused of fraud, modern historians also doubt many of his claims, such as that he met Andrew Carnegie and that he was an attorney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 21, 2019
The writings of Napoleon Hill are almost hundred years old and it reads like it. The book identifies key factors for success like finish what you start, spend time on reflection, journal your thoughts, be confident, be sincere, etc. It is very simplistic. There is a part about the value of hard work and the point is illustrated with 'The Grasshopper and the Ants' of Aesop's Fables. It's not original or motivational. There isn't many nuggets of wisdom that would make this book a classic.
October 2, 2020
Felt like I just read this. Very similar to Napoleon Hill's The Law of Success: In Sixteen Lessons, but a condensed version. Still recommend. Though, if you want to get a more insightful account you really should read the other book too!
November 14, 2018
Five Stars. Jeffrey Gitomer masterfully illuminates Napoleon Hill's first writings. This is a read, re-read and implement day by day book.
January 7, 2021
Easy to read, in some points states some obvious things and it's quite ripetitive, but overall is a good read, makes you think over important matters and gives you some points of reflection.
November 3, 2018
I have been truly blessed when author, speaker and all round great guy Lee Shelton suggested that I read I’m Okay; You’re Okay. I read it and my life’s direction changed almost instantly. I became an avid reader. Since that day in the early 1980s I have read well over 1000 books and watched or listened to even more on video or tapes. Why do I say this to begin this review of Truthful Living by Jeffrey Gitomer? Glad you asked.
Without Shelton’s encouragement I would have never been introduced to the works of Napoleon Hill, Orison Swett Marden, Wallace Wattles, Jim Paluch, Joe Tye, Dr. Tom Hill, Jon Gordon, Kieran Revell and especially Jeffrey Gitomer. I have read every book written by Gitomer as well as several of the other authors mentioned. In fact I have read many of the books more than once. I WILL read Truthful Living more than once, of that you can rest assured!
It would be foolish of me to actually write a review of the book. Instead I would simply suggest that you read it and after you do you will understand why I suggested that first you read it, then you should study it, and then buy a copies for the people you care about, especially the youngest of the people you care about who are only now embarking upon their careers. You’ve heard the famous saying, you can bring a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. Here is your chance to bring your favorite horses to the fountain of knowledge from which if they partake of the knowledge will absolutely do no harm but almost assuredly help them achieve the success that everyone seeks.
Author Joe Tye asked me if I had a Life’s Mission Statement (Goal) which at the time I did not. Thanks to Joe I created one and have done my best to live by it over the past 30 plus years and I include it here for a reason:
To help people to do what they do to do it better!
That is one of the reasons I read books, books like Truthful Living. I weed out the books with little value in favor of the books with tremendous value and then share the recommendation to read a book or books with everyone who would take a minute or two to read my recommendations such as this one. By encouraging others to read the books I have read IS helping other people to do what they do to do it better. My recommendation/suggestion to YOU the reader would be:
READ THIS BOOK!
A word of caution. The book is written in color and if you attempt to read it on a Kindle type reading device in Black and White only as I did, you may have difficulty reading some of the featured material in the book. The same Kindle version read on your computer’s Kindle or your smart phones Kindle is highly recommended because the color is displayed making it much easier to read.
Truthful Living is NOT just a book for people in sales; it is for people who are still breathing or in other words, EVERYONE! It would be impossible to read Truthful Living without coming away without many very strong incentives to cause you to “think in a certain way” as Wallace Wattles writes about in his several books. It clearly points out that everyone should have a mental plan outlining a roadmap to define their future as they wish it to be. I came across the following poem, author unknown, that explains why you should read Truthful Living.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
High in the Sierra Mountains lives an old man
Who from his hermitage looks down in pity
Upon other men of higher mental aspiration.
One day he rescued a little group of Swiss mountaineers
Lost in the mountains’ fastenesses
When told were they were they exclaimed in disbelief,
“But how did we get here?”
To which the old hermit replied,
“If that question ain’t got no answer attached to it,
I ain’t got none that fits.
If you is goin’ anywhere in particular
Up here, yu’d better figger fust how to get thar.
Cuz by jest goin’ afore ya know where yere agoin’
Ya can get to a powerful lotta places ya might not wanta be.”
As usual, I always ask and answer the same questions whenever I finish reading a book.
Who should read it? EVERYONE
Would I read it again? ABSOLUTELY
Would I buy it as a gift? ABSOLUTELY and already have
Without Shelton’s encouragement I would have never been introduced to the works of Napoleon Hill, Orison Swett Marden, Wallace Wattles, Jim Paluch, Joe Tye, Dr. Tom Hill, Jon Gordon, Kieran Revell and especially Jeffrey Gitomer. I have read every book written by Gitomer as well as several of the other authors mentioned. In fact I have read many of the books more than once. I WILL read Truthful Living more than once, of that you can rest assured!
It would be foolish of me to actually write a review of the book. Instead I would simply suggest that you read it and after you do you will understand why I suggested that first you read it, then you should study it, and then buy a copies for the people you care about, especially the youngest of the people you care about who are only now embarking upon their careers. You’ve heard the famous saying, you can bring a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. Here is your chance to bring your favorite horses to the fountain of knowledge from which if they partake of the knowledge will absolutely do no harm but almost assuredly help them achieve the success that everyone seeks.
Author Joe Tye asked me if I had a Life’s Mission Statement (Goal) which at the time I did not. Thanks to Joe I created one and have done my best to live by it over the past 30 plus years and I include it here for a reason:
To help people to do what they do to do it better!
That is one of the reasons I read books, books like Truthful Living. I weed out the books with little value in favor of the books with tremendous value and then share the recommendation to read a book or books with everyone who would take a minute or two to read my recommendations such as this one. By encouraging others to read the books I have read IS helping other people to do what they do to do it better. My recommendation/suggestion to YOU the reader would be:
READ THIS BOOK!
A word of caution. The book is written in color and if you attempt to read it on a Kindle type reading device in Black and White only as I did, you may have difficulty reading some of the featured material in the book. The same Kindle version read on your computer’s Kindle or your smart phones Kindle is highly recommended because the color is displayed making it much easier to read.
Truthful Living is NOT just a book for people in sales; it is for people who are still breathing or in other words, EVERYONE! It would be impossible to read Truthful Living without coming away without many very strong incentives to cause you to “think in a certain way” as Wallace Wattles writes about in his several books. It clearly points out that everyone should have a mental plan outlining a roadmap to define their future as they wish it to be. I came across the following poem, author unknown, that explains why you should read Truthful Living.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
High in the Sierra Mountains lives an old man
Who from his hermitage looks down in pity
Upon other men of higher mental aspiration.
One day he rescued a little group of Swiss mountaineers
Lost in the mountains’ fastenesses
When told were they were they exclaimed in disbelief,
“But how did we get here?”
To which the old hermit replied,
“If that question ain’t got no answer attached to it,
I ain’t got none that fits.
If you is goin’ anywhere in particular
Up here, yu’d better figger fust how to get thar.
Cuz by jest goin’ afore ya know where yere agoin’
Ya can get to a powerful lotta places ya might not wanta be.”
As usual, I always ask and answer the same questions whenever I finish reading a book.
Who should read it? EVERYONE
Would I read it again? ABSOLUTELY
Would I buy it as a gift? ABSOLUTELY and already have
October 28, 2020
One of the most influential books I have read is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. In fact, I have read it several times. Originally published in 1937, it has sold over 80 million copies. Hill can clearly be seen as an old master – one worth reading. He wrote many other books during his lifetime, and until recently fans thought all of his writing had been published.
But in October of 2018, bestselling author, sales guru, and Napoleon Hill fan, Jeffrey Gitomer, published a new book in conjunction with the Napoleon Hill Foundation titled Truthful Living: The First Writings of Napoleon Hill.
Read more...
But in October of 2018, bestselling author, sales guru, and Napoleon Hill fan, Jeffrey Gitomer, published a new book in conjunction with the Napoleon Hill Foundation titled Truthful Living: The First Writings of Napoleon Hill.
Read more...
October 27, 2022
This is a book written by someone in the corporation that represent the bigger business of Napoleon Hill. The words are not directly from Jeffrey Gitomer other than the explanations that come from the writing of Napoleon Hill.
I think it better to just go right on ahead pick up Think and Grow Rich and read that sucker a good 8 times. The first time through do NOT take any notes. Just read the book and feel the power within. From there, start to study the material you read the first time and analyze what Napoleon Hill is saying in plain English.
So yes, if you are looking for a companion to the words of Napoleon Hill's writings, this would be the book to pick up. But personally, reading from the original is more pivotal for me and what I need in my life.
I think it better to just go right on ahead pick up Think and Grow Rich and read that sucker a good 8 times. The first time through do NOT take any notes. Just read the book and feel the power within. From there, start to study the material you read the first time and analyze what Napoleon Hill is saying in plain English.
So yes, if you are looking for a companion to the words of Napoleon Hill's writings, this would be the book to pick up. But personally, reading from the original is more pivotal for me and what I need in my life.
August 10, 2019
Never having read a word of Napoleon Hill, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started. I found it interesting, although not gripping.
The title made me expect a sort of Christian perspective, but this was more psychological and inspirational, in my opinion. Although the principles are basically rooted in biblical principles, the book was not a theology of truth by any means.
I found some of the quips forgettable, although I can see how he built an empire on these teachings. The fans and followers seem to be devoted to the cause, so some of the Hill-worship was strange to me.
It was good for what it was--a different voice teaching us to be intentional about life.
The title made me expect a sort of Christian perspective, but this was more psychological and inspirational, in my opinion. Although the principles are basically rooted in biblical principles, the book was not a theology of truth by any means.
I found some of the quips forgettable, although I can see how he built an empire on these teachings. The fans and followers seem to be devoted to the cause, so some of the Hill-worship was strange to me.
It was good for what it was--a different voice teaching us to be intentional about life.
April 8, 2019
I'm sure the writings of Napoleon Hill were unique 100 years ago. Today, after having read the most successful self-help/business authors, the old writings of Napoleon Hill seem to pale.
My guess is that, If this is your first self-help/business book you'll enjoy it. The ideas presented are transforming and life changing. If on the other hand, you have read a lot of books of this genre, then I wouldn't expect to find new ideas. There are a lot of books explaining the same principles with modern examples.
My guess is that, If this is your first self-help/business book you'll enjoy it. The ideas presented are transforming and life changing. If on the other hand, you have read a lot of books of this genre, then I wouldn't expect to find new ideas. There are a lot of books explaining the same principles with modern examples.
May 25, 2019
What a gem!!! Stop everything and read this book, seriously.
This book is a must must read for everyone regardless of their professional area or lack there of. This is about the “core” of living a life with integrity and success.
I wish a version of this book existed in simpler language for young people and teens.
So many important life lessons!!
This book is a must must read for everyone regardless of their professional area or lack there of. This is about the “core” of living a life with integrity and success.
I wish a version of this book existed in simpler language for young people and teens.
So many important life lessons!!
October 29, 2019
I applied for a job as a financial advisor and was given think and grow rich. I left and never read the book. I was curious so I read this freebie. It was interesting but of course the race and class issues which are real resulted i. A disconnect. There are a few gems but overall, I’m a touch unphased.
November 9, 2020
Napoleon Hill's wisdom was unique, and at over a hundred years old, I think Jeffrey Gitomer did a great job with this book, providing an exclusive view of the Napoleon Hill Foundation archives, showing Hill's original notes explaining how she was. so successful and recognized as a world leader. This book just keeps getting better after each chapter, it's worth reading!
August 3, 2019
Helpful!!!
Fantastic and engaging breakdown of the principles and actions that lead to successful living. I've been reading a bit every morning and I think I will now start over from the beginning and then more of these thoughts into actions.
Fantastic and engaging breakdown of the principles and actions that lead to successful living. I've been reading a bit every morning and I think I will now start over from the beginning and then more of these thoughts into actions.
May 7, 2020
READ IT ALREADY
Mind freaking blown! This should be a required reading of every US high schooler! This book is freaking epic and gives the keys to truthful living! There’s no page you’ll leave unturned!
Mind freaking blown! This should be a required reading of every US high schooler! This book is freaking epic and gives the keys to truthful living! There’s no page you’ll leave unturned!
January 12, 2024
Throughout the book, as promised, I got many 'Aha!' moments. An inspiring work, with truly actionable steps towards change. I am looking forward to implementing the tools given in my everyday life and mindset.
April 11, 2019
First time through
I know I have to read this book a few more times. Just so much information. Can’t store it all after one reading
I know I have to read this book a few more times. Just so much information. Can’t store it all after one reading
April 27, 2019
Experiência de vida com autorreflexão e boas dicas em temas e diretrizes nos quais basear a construção da própria vida.
May 26, 2019
Well worth the investment
This early work, along with the secondary author’s notes, is an excellent guide for living a fulfilling life. You should read it
This early work, along with the secondary author’s notes, is an excellent guide for living a fulfilling life. You should read it
June 29, 2019
This is a commentary on the inspirational writings of Napoleon Hill that left me unimpressed.
July 22, 2019
Nice letter
Nice book to read, if you have read think and grow rich, you can understand the foundation of Napoleon Hill thought.
Nice book to read, if you have read think and grow rich, you can understand the foundation of Napoleon Hill thought.
August 1, 2019
Filled with Napolean Hill's timeless wisdom, it includes great additions, insights and explanations by Jeffrey Gitomer. It's on my "read once a month" list.
December 15, 2019
Super exciting book. It made me think about my current moment in life, about self-confidence and motivation.
February 7, 2020
Excellent
It was terrific
I will continue to review the lessons in this book. Napoleon Hills books and writings are worth your time and money. Thank you!
It was terrific
I will continue to review the lessons in this book. Napoleon Hills books and writings are worth your time and money. Thank you!
May 20, 2020
Marvellous
Definitely the best reading besides Think And Grow Rich. Thank you!! I will follow now Hill’s reading recommendations mentioned at the end of this book.
Definitely the best reading besides Think And Grow Rich. Thank you!! I will follow now Hill’s reading recommendations mentioned at the end of this book.
June 22, 2020
Full of golden gems!
Full of nuggets of wisdom but not just good for thought but for action! Each lesson has actionable items for you to implement after you have read each lesson.
Full of nuggets of wisdom but not just good for thought but for action! Each lesson has actionable items for you to implement after you have read each lesson.
October 2, 2022
Great audiobook!
Will read it again in a few months. Great information for entrepreneurs and if you want to run any kind of business.
Will read it again in a few months. Great information for entrepreneurs and if you want to run any kind of business.
July 14, 2024
Great read
I found this book full of down to earth positive suggestions for leading an ethical life and business. Highly recommend.
I found this book full of down to earth positive suggestions for leading an ethical life and business. Highly recommend.
June 28, 2025
Excellent read
This book is a great read. It summarizes the basic concepts of life and business. I recommend a great deal.
This book is a great read. It summarizes the basic concepts of life and business. I recommend a great deal.
February 1, 2025
Love Napoleon Hill not a fan of Jeffrey Gitomer. I didn’t find that his experts brought anything to the book.
Trying to build his own brand on the backs of others…it took away from the book.
Trying to build his own brand on the backs of others…it took away from the book.
January 19, 2025
Hill's books are timeless and a good addition to your library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews