1,739 books
—
2,137 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “The Magic of Thinking Big” as Want to Read:
The Magic of Thinking Big
by
The Magic of Thinking Big gives you useful methods, not empty promises. Dr. Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community. He proves that you don't need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction, but you do need to learn and understand the hab
...more
Get A Copy
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
April 2nd 1987
by Touchstone
(first published 1959)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
The Magic of Thinking Big,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
Ben Azadi
Heck yeah, the success principles in this book have stood the test of time.
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of The Magic of Thinking Big

An inspiring book that will teach you to think beyond the mundane, every day, status quo. The enemy we call "average" threatens to take away the hopes, dreams, and meaning in our lives. Strive for excellence in everything you do. If you want something you've never had, you'll have to do something you've never done.
...more

I know several people who feel that this book has changed their lives. I'm not certain I can make that claim for myself, but this was the first time I'd heard of the three failure diseases: Procrastonation, Excuse-itis and detail-itis. I think at some time or another, I was guilty of all three. Now I tend to catch mysef in the midst of them and think "a-ha! Stop that."
...more

Feb 21, 2008
David Rosage
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Anyone with dreams
Recommended to David by:
My Father
This book changed the way I look at the world, and will remain a powerful reminder of the great things that can be accomplished with the right attitude.

I have to admit, I have read this book about 8 times. I make it a goal to read this book every six months because of the powerful influences that come from Dr. Schwartz. I read this book initially in 1999 and was taken aback by how powerful the thinking process is. As a result of applying the book, I was able to get a better job, attain certifications in my field (Computers), buy a house and feel much better about myself. If you find yourself in need of a change, look no further than this book.
I ...more
I ...more

A Review of The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
Think success, don’t think failure. The mantra of believe in yourself is the premise of this book. The copy I have read was first published in 1960. This was one of the books I found in my grandfather’s bookcase and one which I kept after he died. This is second time I have read this book with many years between the readings. I know the book has been re-published many times since and is available. The reason I selected this book to write ...more
Think success, don’t think failure. The mantra of believe in yourself is the premise of this book. The copy I have read was first published in 1960. This was one of the books I found in my grandfather’s bookcase and one which I kept after he died. This is second time I have read this book with many years between the readings. I know the book has been re-published many times since and is available. The reason I selected this book to write ...more

On the one hand, this book had some good advice about things like thinking positive, treating people well and setting a good example. On the other hand, the author's misogynistic views on women is prevalent throughout the book and is really a sign of when this book was written (the 1950s). Women cannot be successful business people - they are allowed to work menial jobs or be wives, but nothing more.
I'd like to think that since they are still publishing this book that they would update it every ...more
I'd like to think that since they are still publishing this book that they would update it every ...more

I came away from this self-help book with a few useful/helpful tidbits, namely in the "stay positive," "love what you do" and "work hard" categories. However, as helpful as the book was in the 1960s for millions of people, I don't think I represent its ideal audience.
Because, in order to truly glean more than just a few tidbits of advice from this book, I imagine you would have to subscribe to the thinking that "success" and its cousin, "happiness," are defined the way Dr. Schwartz defines it: ...more
Because, in order to truly glean more than just a few tidbits of advice from this book, I imagine you would have to subscribe to the thinking that "success" and its cousin, "happiness," are defined the way Dr. Schwartz defines it: ...more

It's a really nice book well crafted for the persons of any age. Sometimes you get stuck in your life and you reach a conclusion that there is no way out now. That's where motivation comes to play you consider some phenomenal work that can inspire you and burn a light of hope deep inside your heart.
These books are not extraordnary, the ideas and opinion are the same what we use to talk everyday. But the way authore ahs persented us that is soemthing insirational and tremendous. It talks about al ...more
These books are not extraordnary, the ideas and opinion are the same what we use to talk everyday. But the way authore ahs persented us that is soemthing insirational and tremendous. It talks about al ...more

I got the recommendation for this book from Anthony Robins in his famous book (Awaken Your Giant Within) , and he quoted lots of sayings and mentioned them in his book ..
Then I decided to read it as soon as I could .. Although, it's shorter than Robins's book but really it's an amazing book, full of essential concepts and secrets ..
I recommend everybody to read it deeply and apply it's concepts ...more
Then I decided to read it as soon as I could .. Although, it's shorter than Robins's book but really it's an amazing book, full of essential concepts and secrets ..
I recommend everybody to read it deeply and apply it's concepts ...more

I don't really like self help books, but this was a really good book. Simple, quick read, and actually had intelligent content. I would recommend this book to anyone, but if you like self help books, then this is a must read.
...more

“Think Big and you’ll live big. You’ll live big in happiness. You’ll live big in accomplishment. Big in income. Big in friends. Big in respect… Start now, right now, to discover how to make your thinking make magic for you. Start out with this thought of the great philosopher Disraeli: ‘Life is too short to be little.’”
“In brief, it really is easy to forget the unpleasant if we simply refuse to recall it. Withdraw only positive thoughts from your memory bank. Let the others fade away. And your ...more
“In brief, it really is easy to forget the unpleasant if we simply refuse to recall it. Withdraw only positive thoughts from your memory bank. Let the others fade away. And your ...more

This is a good book only if you read it to yourself in the voice of a 1950s tv announcer. First published in 1959, this book is chock full of sound advice for the young gentleman looking to get ahead, acquire the secrets of success, make more money for his family, think like a leader, etc. etc. Where are the women? Why, they're at home, of course, cooking and cleaning and raising those children.
Each chapter is an examination of a different successories-style motivational lecture: Believe You Ca ...more
Each chapter is an examination of a different successories-style motivational lecture: Believe You Ca ...more

This is very good as historical sociology more than as self-help. I think this stuff was relevant especially for the generation that came of age in the Great Depression and World War II in America. Those people had been through hell, but then emerged into a booming economy with a ballooning middle-class. They needed a kick in the pants to stop thinking negatively. And the (white) guy who wanted to succeed big could rise above the masses by being a go-getter. The "American Dream" of upward mobili
...more

I read this book many years ago. It changed my life. So, I picked up a Kindle edition and took another tour through its pages. It's still a game changer. I'm surprised at two things: 1) how many principles taught in this book that I've forgotten over the years, and 2) how some of my fundamental characteristics, things that are deeply ingrained in me, were rooted in this book from my first reading all those years ago. This book is now going on my annual rotation list.
...more

Who wants to be more succesful in their lives???
Who feels like they can do better but don't know how to do it???
C'mon, people... just read it...
It's a must read book, and trust me when I say it's going to help you...
It helped me a lot ...more
Who feels like they can do better but don't know how to do it???
C'mon, people... just read it...
It's a must read book, and trust me when I say it's going to help you...
It helped me a lot ...more

It's good but not life changing. At least to me, for others I could see it. It teaches basic principles like smile more, network more, speak loud and clear, stay positive, make eye contact...
The beginning was overcoming common excuses like 'oh I can't do it because of my health', or 'I'm not smart enough', 'I don't have enough time', etc." ...more
The beginning was overcoming common excuses like 'oh I can't do it because of my health', or 'I'm not smart enough', 'I don't have enough time', etc." ...more

Books on personal development, or the so-called ‘self’-help genre, have been around for so long, there is no doubt about that. There is a plethora of such books, which promise to help a person overcome the tough situations in life and sail through smoothly. Especially in our modern times, where publishing a book has become as easy as ordering a product online, there is a rise in the number of authors who promise to improve your life by offering some quick-fix solutions for your troubles. But the
...more

One of the best business books I've read.
...more

It’s always shady when you see someone using the usual cliché "This book has changed my life!". While I usually don't take those comments seriously (too much money wasted in 'life-changing' books, I guess) I have to admit that sometimes a particular book hits you with more impact than usual and after a couple of years some self-examination might leave you with the impression that perhaps the author has indeed influenced your choice of paths more than you would have expected.
This was the case wit ...more
This was the case wit ...more

1.75 / 5
Initially, I thought this was a load of bullshit. And even now I think it's mostly bullshit.
The keyword here is mostly. It didn't start very well but I was listening to the audio version and it is quite short I decided to go with it. And indeed... there are some useful insights but what I found the most useful were a few common sense rules that we tend to forget. I needed the reminder myself and that's the reason why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1.
This is the type of book that gave 'se ...more
Initially, I thought this was a load of bullshit. And even now I think it's mostly bullshit.
The keyword here is mostly. It didn't start very well but I was listening to the audio version and it is quite short I decided to go with it. And indeed... there are some useful insights but what I found the most useful were a few common sense rules that we tend to forget. I needed the reminder myself and that's the reason why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1.
This is the type of book that gave 'se ...more

This is one of my favorite books of its' kind. David J. Schwartz teaches that if we can conceive it; then we can believe it, and if we can believe it; we can achieve it.
He goes into detail on how to create the correct mindset for success.
I highly recommend this book to all.
Enjoy and Be Blessed. ...more
He goes into detail on how to create the correct mindset for success.
I highly recommend this book to all.
Enjoy and Be Blessed. ...more

My Dad assigned me to read a book sometime in late November. The book he assigned me to read was The Magic of Thinking Big by Dr. David J. Schwartz, one of the leaders on the art of motivation (according to the back of the book, anyway. According to my Dad, this book would give me great principles on how to be successful in life. In this regard, the book succeeds greatly. Along with that, Dr. Schwartz makes it interesting to read about the success principles.
So, what is The Magic of Thinking Big ...more
So, what is The Magic of Thinking Big ...more

First published in 1959,
The Magic of Thinking Big
is one of the most influential self-help books of all-times. The writer provides schemes and strategies for visualizing yourself achieving your goals.
Things I have learned from this book:
♦ To "think confidently, act confidently" practice the following exercises:
1. Be a front seater
2. Practice making eye contact
3. Walk 25 percent faster
4. Practice speaking up
5. Smile Big
♦ "There’s nothing magical nor mystical about the power of belief.
Be ...more
Things I have learned from this book:
♦ To "think confidently, act confidently" practice the following exercises:
1. Be a front seater
2. Practice making eye contact
3. Walk 25 percent faster
4. Practice speaking up
5. Smile Big
♦ "There’s nothing magical nor mystical about the power of belief.
Be ...more

Third time through. It's amazing how a person's thinking is always in the process of becoming small and marginalizing itself. This is a must read for anyone wanting to increase their thinking and pull the weeds out of their life.
[The second time reading this book was very helpful. It's amazing what you can forget and need to be reminded of. I absolutely love the final 2-3 pages. A great summary of what it takes to be successful in any endeavor.]
[This book is just what the doctor ordered. When yo ...more
[The second time reading this book was very helpful. It's amazing what you can forget and need to be reminded of. I absolutely love the final 2-3 pages. A great summary of what it takes to be successful in any endeavor.]
[This book is just what the doctor ordered. When yo ...more

A book that is focused on telling you that "you are what you think". To tell you that whatever you think of in your mind will become reality whether it would be positive or negative thoughts. It gives you practical programs and steps to change your outlook and the way you think and prepares you for a successful life ahead full of achievements of your own thinking.
The book's philosophy is solid. Whatever is said here conforms with whatever you may have read or heard elsewhere. While the book is g ...more
The book's philosophy is solid. Whatever is said here conforms with whatever you may have read or heard elsewhere. While the book is g ...more

Think Big, Dream Big, Achieve Big
"THE MAGIC OF THINKING BIG" by David J. Schwartz
This is my second-time reading this book (first time being in 1999, shortly after I joined the Amway biz
and shortly before I joined the Air Force), and after these years I still find it to be one of the best self-help books I've ever read. True enough, a lot of the material that Dr. Schwartz teaches within is seemingly common sense that should be boneheadedly obvious....yet in this day & age, common sense really ain ...more
"THE MAGIC OF THINKING BIG" by David J. Schwartz
This is my second-time reading this book (first time being in 1999, shortly after I joined the Amway biz
and shortly before I joined the Air Force), and after these years I still find it to be one of the best self-help books I've ever read. True enough, a lot of the material that Dr. Schwartz teaches within is seemingly common sense that should be boneheadedly obvious....yet in this day & age, common sense really ain ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Inspirational Rea...: The Magic of Thinking Big December 2020 | 1 | 5 | Dec 06, 2020 10:26PM | |
Best Motivation Book? | 5 | 65 | Apr 30, 2020 04:09PM | |
Latoryah's Reader...: Thinking Big | 1 | 7 | Aug 11, 2018 07:02AM | |
Do the Dang Thing: June Book of the Month | 1 | 3 | May 13, 2017 01:20PM | |
Let's read a book...: Let's read and discuss "The Magic of Thinking Big, by David J. Schwartz". (Masoud is leading the discussion) | 1 | 21 | Aug 23, 2015 02:38AM |
David Joseph Schwartz PhD (March 23, 1927 – December 6, 1987) was an American motivational writer and coach, best known for authoring The Magic of Thinking Big in 1959.
He was a professor at Georgia State University and also began his own work as a self-help coach and life strategist. Later, he founded his own consultancy firm focusing on leadership development called 'Creative Educational Services ...more
He was a professor at Georgia State University and also began his own work as a self-help coach and life strategist. Later, he founded his own consultancy firm focusing on leadership development called 'Creative Educational Services ...more
News & Interviews
As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of...
50 likes · 13 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.”
—
170 likes
“The mind is what the mind is fed.”
—
100 likes
More quotes…