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The Master Key to Riches: Unlock the Secrets to Personal Achievement

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Discover how to open your mind to success and wealth with this easy-to-read guide to personal achievement. Written by Napoleon Hill, author of the self-help classic Think and Grow Rich, the book is based on the principles behind the achievements of Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and other prosperous thinkers and businessmen of the twentieth century. Millions of readers around the world have adopted its philosophy to attain career advancement, improve friendships and business relationships, build monetary wealth, and lead richer, fuller lives.Hill shares the insider tips he learned from the top tycoons of his era, including The Law of Cosmic Habitforce, Andrew Carnegie’s “Master Mind” Method, The Magic of Going the “Extra Mile,” and The Twelve True Riches of Life. These principles — involving willpower, self-discipline, and positive thinking — can be applied by anyone of any age, regardless of occupation or economic circumstance.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1945

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8676 people want to read

About the author

Napoleon Hill

1,972 books5,458 followers
Oliver 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for Leah.
753 reviews117 followers
December 12, 2019
Man what an old book haha but definitely a classic.

Master Key to Riches goes hand in hand with Napoleon Hill's book Think and Grow Rich with similar themes.

This book was annoyingly repetitive and not well written and organized. It's a short book that could have been halved in size and added into Think and Grow Rich.

Themes: Definiteness of Purpose, willpower, self-discipline, habits, applied faith, consciousness, imagination, going the extra mile, control your emotions, put away bad negative thoughts, control your ego and don't let it get inflated.

To be a good loving wife to your husband, at the dinner table propose ideas and consult him about his day with interest and the relationship and his success will grow. Pretty sexist but this book can get away with it because it's old lol
Profile Image for Wissal H.
1,090 reviews474 followers
April 8, 2023
La richesse n'est pas toujours financière, mais il existe plusieurs types de richesse selon l'écrivain Napoleon Hill Ils sont de nombre 12.

La possession de l'argent ne possède pas de bonheur

La première est la base d'une vie stable et heureuse : l'attitude mentale Positive, origine de toute les richesses ❤️
La deuxième Une bonne santé physique 💜
Troisième L'harmonie avec les relations humaines 💙
Quatrième L'absence de peur (Peur de pauvreté critique la mort veillessement maladie ...)
Cinquième L'espoir 💚
Sixième La capacité de croire 🧡
Septième Volonté de partager 🤎
Huitième un travail qu'on aime🖤
Neuvième un esprit ouvert à tous les sujets💓
Dixième La discipline💛
La capacité de comprendre les autres : Comprendre les émotions et les désirs des autres : Amour, Peur 🖤
Et la dernière est la sécurité financière 💚

Ce passe partout ne peut fonctionner qu'une avec personnalité positive.

Chacun de nous possède deux personnalités : l'une est positive optimiste , l'autre est négatif et pessimiste.

La détermination est la clé de réussite personnelle et son moteur énergétique ❤️

Un ensemble des conseils et attitudes à prendre pour penser positivement et se concentrer sur tous ce qui est positif.
Profile Image for Ramy.
1,449 reviews844 followers
February 2, 2016
بمجرد بدئى ف كتاب ل نابليون هيل بيكون ف بالى ان الكتاب لن يخرج عن تقييم 3-4 من خمسة
الكتاب دا و عند نصه كنت مقرر انه 3 حلو اوى عليه
عند ثلاث ارباعه اكتشفت انه هياخد 2 ايا كان بقيته عامل ازاى

اللى قرا ل نابليون هيل 2-3 كتب هيعرف ان الكتاب ما هو الا نسخة مطولة ممطوطة من "فكر تصبح غنيا"

يصدف انى اقرا بالتوازى معه
الفشل البناء : تحويل الأخطاء إلى جسر للنجاح
و خلص قبل كتابنا دا لانه فعلا كان مفيد و ممتع معا

و كتاب
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
و اللى لسه مخلصسش بس واضح انه عملى و معاصر و مفيد و مكتوب بلغة شبابية لطيفة

و كتاب
The Laws of Money, the Lessons of Life: 5 Timeless Secrets to Get Out and Stay Out of Financial Trouble
اللى مكتوب بروح حريمى بس برضه عملى وواقعى لحد ما و اللى قاربت على انهاؤه

كلهم خلصوا او فى تقدم جيد لانهم فعلا ممتعين و مفيدين
على عكس الهلك بتاع الحاج نابليون

الكتاب القادم : I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Profile Image for J. .
382 reviews47 followers
May 30, 2012
This book is a very good book as well. It sets out to establish a philosophy not just merely for material success, but accomplishing goals both tangible and intangible. Its not some predominantly watered-downed hippy dippy sentimental, "you can do whatever you put your mind to" type of motivational book, although it has its moments. Rather this book elucidates on certain thoughts and actions; skills and virtues that ought to be and can be cultivated by anyone in order to succeed, thus making itself closer to the title of philosophy. Those who ought to read this book are numerous, but in the end the can be narrowed down to 3 People: (1) Those who find themselves looking to improve their life's situation, (2) Those whose lives up unto this moment are filled with hopeless failure, at the end of their rope, and (3) Those who want to help those who are at a low-point in their life.
Profile Image for Christopher Lewis Kozoriz.
826 reviews272 followers
October 23, 2013
The Master-Key to Riches consists entirely in the greatest power known to man, the power of thought! You may take full possession of the Master-Key by taking possession of your own mind, through the strictest of self-discipline. ~ Napoleon Hill, The Master Key to Riches

As I stated in another review of Napoleon Hill's works, most of the wealthy, billionaires, millionaires all make reference or recommend Napoleon Hill's works. In fact it was Andrew Carnegie who commissioned Napoleon to take on the mission of bringing the laws of success to mankind. There are gold nuggests throughout this book, but all in all, Napoleon Hill shows us how our thoughts direct our lives like a rudder on a ship.
Profile Image for Paul Mamani.
162 reviews87 followers
December 31, 2019

This book in a nutshell is a must read for anybody wanted to improve their lives. Regardless of what area you want to improve, Napoleon Hill shows the Master-Key works. Napoleon Hill died in 1970 at 87 years old. Thus the research he did was way ahead of his time. He profiled Andrew Carnegie who created U.S. Steel and mentored Charles Schwab. Andrew Carnegie commissioned Napoleon Hill to profile successful people to see if there was a pattern. This book along with Think and Grow Rich is a combination of that research.

Why is this important to me?

If I was spending my precious time listening to this video then the first question I would ask is - Why is this important to me?

This is important because Mr. Hill explains the 12 riches of life and how to achieve them. Are you where you want to be or do you need help defining true happiness? The study of the 12 riches and the Master-Key defined in this book will give you the blueprint for happiness.

The 12 Riches of Life are: 1. Positive Mental Attitude, 2. Sound Physical Health, 3. Harmony in Human Relationships, 4. Freedom from Fears, 5. The Hope of Achievements, 6. The Capacity of Faith, 7. Willingness to Share One's Blessings, 8. A labor of Loves, 9. An Open Mind on All Subjects, 10, Self-discipline, 11. The capacity to Understand People, 12. Economic Security.

All 12 riches are important but for the sake of time we will dig into three of them in this summary.

1. Positive Mental Attitude - Mental attitude is important because it converts the brain into the equivalent of an electro-magnet which attracts the counterpart of one's dominating thoughts, aims and purposes. It also attracts the counterpart of one's fears, worries and doubts. This basically means that you will manifest in your life that which you focus on regardless if it is positive or negative.

2. Sound Physical Health - This one is self-evident and should be number one. In my humble opinion, without health, you cannot create anything. Health is the ultimate gift because with it, everything else is possible. This can easily be taken for granted but once it is taken from you then life changes instantly. This needs to be a priority for everybody.

3. The Capacity to Understand People: The person who truly understands people knows that we all come from the same core. The nine emotions common, according to the book are: love, sex, desire of material gain, self-preservation, freedom from body and mind, self-expression, desire for perpetuation of life and death, anger and fear. The capacity to understand others eliminates many of the common causes of friction among men.

The Master-Key is a combination of 17 principles when used in combination will allow you to achieve the 12 Riches of Life.

The Master-Key consists of:

1) Habit of going the extra mile
2) Definiteness of Purpose
3) The Master mind
4) Applied Faith
5) Pleasing Personality
6) Habit of learning from defeat
7) Creative Vision
8) Personal Initiative
9) Accurate Thinking
10) Self-Discipline
11) Concentration of Endeavor
12) Co-operation
13) Enthusiasm
14) The Habit of Health
15) Budgeting Time and Money
16) Golden Rule Applied 17) Cosmic habit force.

For the sake of time we will profile three of the seventeen.

1. Definiteness of Purpose - Highly successful people have a defined purpose. Mother Teresa dedicated her life in helping the poor of Calcutta and through her definite purpose became world renowned and helped millions of people.

2. The Master Mind - is a group of people that have expertise that can be leveraged toward your defined purpose. Leveraging the combined OPE (Other People's expertise) gives a compound effect to the desired result.

3. Habit going the Extra Mile - I like this one because the 12 Riches of Life can NOT be attained without hard, smart and right work. You have to do the thing to have the power!!!! Notice this is the HABIT of going the extra mile. Ingrain this in your mind and you will not be disappointed with the results.

I hope you have found this short summary useful. The key to any new idea is to work it into your daily routine until it becomes habit.

Habits form in as little as 21 days. I highly recommend you read this book and put the principles in place. To take one thing away from the summary and make it habit will be the "Habit of Going the Extra Mile". Put this front and center and it will help you in everything you do.

According to Mr. Hill, Going the extra mile by doing more than one is paid for - "It is the strange influence which it has on the person who does it. The greatest benefit from this habit does not come to those to whom the service is rendered. It comes to the one who renders the service, in the form of a changed "mental attitude," which gives him more influence with other people, more self-reliance, greater initiative, more enthusiasm, more vision and definiteness of purpose. Do the thing and you shall have the power!!!!
Profile Image for Jason Wicky Ong.
344 reviews5 followers
February 17, 2021
This book is written by Napoleon Hill as opposed to the other one, 17 Principles for Key to Success, which is written by Napoleon Hill FOUNDATION.

I think this book articulates his thoughts clearly and emphasize his more favourable principles with more 'airtime'. It also talks about the 17 Principles for Success.
Profile Image for Justice Mandhla.
Author 5 books5 followers
April 2, 2011
Another classic book written in 1910 by Napoleon Hill. This book teaches a phylosophy of personal achievement in all areas of life; health, relationships, wealth,self-discipline, goal setting and more.
A good read if you are into personal development phylosophy.
Profile Image for Paul Bard.
1,019 reviews
July 30, 2014
Self-discipline is the master key to riches.

Most useful seems to be the "Creed for self-discipline" at the end.
Profile Image for Masood Akhtar.
12 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2018
Like all other books of Napoleon Hill, this one too is a great book and must read for anyone looking for Success and riches in life.
Profile Image for Boukman Bastia.
125 reviews21 followers
Read
November 15, 2021
A brilliant book, it has too much value and stories to help us develop ourselves and our minds to our fullest potential. This is one of those books we have to come back to again and again throughout our lives. It is a living text.
4 reviews
Read
December 7, 2009
oh this one there is so much to learn from. will be reading this one multiple times as it just that exciting to read.
Profile Image for Vasiu Alin.
3 reviews
January 17, 2021
Your success, health, happiness, and wealth depend on how you make up your mind!
Profile Image for Laura Nicolae.
3 reviews11 followers
May 26, 2022
O carte de dezvoltare personală scrisă în 1910. Nu știu exact care au fost începuturile cărților de dezvoltare personală, dar probabil că aceasta se apropie de ele. Mi-a plăcut simplitatea în care au fost descrise principiile care ajută la crearea succesului în viață, deoarece cărțile mai moderne par să complice niște idei care sunt, la bază, simple și care mai toate seamănă între ele în cărțile de acest tip. Pe scurt, bogățiile unui om în viață și cheia sucesului, conform lui Napoleon Hill, sunt:

1. O gândire pozitivă
2. Obiceiul de a face întotdeauna un efort în plus și nu doar minimul necesar
3. Definirea scopului pe care dorești să îl îndeplinești în viață
4. Mintea călăuzitoare sau capacitatea de a fi deschis la ceilalți și de a învăța de la ei
5. Practicarea credinței
6. O personalitate plăcută
7. Deprinderea de a învăța din eșec
8. O viziune creatoare
9. Inițiativă personală
10. O gândire exactă sau o gândire clară, bazată pe rațiune
11. Autodisciplina ca rezultat al unor obiceiuri stabilite și menținute cu grijă, la care se ajunge uneori după ani de efort
12. Concentrarea efortului ca rezultat al voinței și autodisciplinei
13. Cooperarea
14. Entuziasmul
15. Obiceiul de a te îngriji de sănătatea ta și de a fi sănătos prin dezvoltarea unor obiceiuri care să te mențină astfel
16. Planificarea timpului și a banilor
17. Forța obișnuinței sau aplicarea consecventă a celor de mai sus astfel încât ele să devină obișnuință.

Dintre acestea, gândirea pozitivă și autodisciplina sunt subliniate ca fiind cele mai importante. Autodisciplina se aplică mai ales voinței, sentimentelor, rațiunii, imaginației, conștiinței și memoriei, pe care omul trebuie să le stăpânească pentru a nu fi stăpânit de ele și trebuie să le direcționeze în așa fel încât acestea să conlucreze armonios.
Profile Image for Jerome Shaw.
70 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2023
A testament to the power and potential of the human mind. A message for people to pave their way through life by adopting these powerful perspectives. That the only thing we have in our definite control is our thoughts and mental attitude. That the attitude we adopt can alter our ascension or determine our dissension in life. Recommend to those who seek to awaken more of their inner aliveness, and find even more faith with personal fulfillment.
Profile Image for PG "I ain't finna read that".
87 reviews11 followers
April 15, 2021
Another great guide on how to use your mind, but where TAGR focusses the supernatural-made-banal powers of thought this book stresses a healthy ego as the powerhouse of all willful and subconscious activities. I think this book balances the philosophy and helps make it practically understandable.
Profile Image for McQueen.
166 reviews14 followers
February 24, 2020
Yes, repetition is the key to forming new habits, but I feel unnecessarily beaten about the head to the point where I'm wondering if MK-Ultra surreptitiously infiltrated my brain.

Napoleon Hill is a God (I think MK-Ultra made me say that) and this book goes into more detail than Think and Grow Rich, but if you've read the latter then that's probably enough--your get the gist.
Profile Image for Omer lavan.
26 reviews
January 13, 2025
I truly believe that I don't understand the book completely,
I remember when i first read the book "think and grow rich" I wasn't ready mentally to gain the knowledge from it, and i hated it because I couldn't understand it, then, a few years went by, and in these years i have learned a lot about manifesting and decided to try it again, I understood it completely. Perhaps its the same situation,

*i didnt read the last chapter, I could not stand it anymore. Over and over he brought the experience of Andrew Carnegie, it was so repetitive i had to stop and skip it.

The author goes out of his way to fill up the pages of the book, instead of actually explaining and making the point he takes us as reads through so many different sentences that goes around it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
74 reviews15 followers
October 26, 2019
A classic of the genre. It was interesting to see some of the origins of different philosophies but listening to this on audiobook became challenging toward the end. Plus some the 1965-era viewpoints and perspectives can be distracting if not offensive to some readers. I appreciated the book, definitely got value, but would not recommend the audiobook version.
Profile Image for erica a.
39 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2023
book is filled with gems, however I would not read this book until you have read think and grow rich as this book builds on what you read there.

I love napoleon hills emphasis on becoming wealthy, or the best has nothing to do with money. He takes a stand that if you align your mind with the twelves riches of life with a huge emphasis on self-discipline everything you desire: wealth fame success etc will follow because you have created a mindset, a work ethic and an outlook that will generate those thing.

there is so much to say but the one main take away is please read this book!
Profile Image for Frank.
380 reviews105 followers
April 18, 2020
Zero stars. Hill tries to use overly complex sentence structure to add drama and verity to his argument. His arguments do not contain any profundity. I read this book because it was on my bookshelf for years and so many had reviewed it favourably that I thought I should read it.

Lately, I have been VERY disappointed and shocked at the number of books I have read that turned out to be crap but were given great reviews. This book is one of them.
Profile Image for Samar Sisodia.
69 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2022
A masterpiece!

To every reader, I would recommend not to miss a single book of Napolean Hill.

Read them again and again.

Do not just read. Grasp them and form an actionable plan to bring about change in your life!
10 reviews
June 2, 2022
It was a really nice book about spiritually growing but mostly focused on a marketing and business. How to success in business. Which are the most important properties to have and start a successfully business. Book was not hard to understand and helped me in a lot of things.
Profile Image for Jill Whelan.
2 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2008
This is a powerful book that will help you define your purpose in life. I would recommend it to anyone who is ready to think a little!
Profile Image for Doug.
19 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2009
Napoleon Hill's expansion on the key concepts that form the cornerstone of his philosophy from 'Think and Grow Rich.'
Profile Image for Kathy.
79 reviews
August 17, 2009
Good, but not as good as Think and Grow Rich.
Profile Image for Heather.
17 reviews
December 30, 2010
Excellent book giving guidance on how to be truly successful i.e., internally and externally. I believe Og Mandino was inspired by Napolean Hill when he wrote "The Greatest Miracle in the World".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews