Keys to Success: An Excerpt from Napoleon...

This information is from one of the vey best books on success and achievement, Keys to Success: The 17 Principles of Personal Achievement, by Napoleon Hill. This book is the synthesis of over 30 years study and practice of the universal laws and principles of how to succeed in life. Hill interviewed and studied the lives of millionaires and other successful people of all walks of life as a means to discovering these laws.

THE REWARDS OF A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE

If you take possession of your mind and direct it toward desirable goals, you will enjoy:

1. Success consciousness, which attracts only the circumstances which make for success
2. Sound health, both physical and mental
3. Financial independence
4. A labor of love in which to express yourself
5. Peace of mind
6. Applied faith, which makes fear impossible
7. Enduring friendships
8. Longevity and a well-balanced life
9. Immunity from self-limitation
10. The wisdom to understand yourself and others

THE PENALTIES OF A NEGATIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE

If you neglect taking possession of your mind and directing it toward a worthwhile goal, you are doomed to:

1. Poverty and misery your entire life
2. Mental and physical ailments of all kinds
3. Self-limitations which trap you in mediocrity
4. Fear and all its destructive consequences
5. Hatred of the means by which you support yourself
6. Many enemies and few friends
7. Every brand of worry known to humanity
8. Being a victim of every negative influence you encounter
9. Subjection to the will of others
20. A wasted life which does nothing to better the human condition

Which choice will you make? If you do not make the first one and embrace it wholeheartedly, the second will be forced on you. There is no halfway point, no compromise. Which choice will you make?
pp. 87-88

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What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?

Comments: 12

Beverly T. Feb 14, 2008, 2:32am EST

The general principles are great. In broad terms, these do indeed work well. I can see the complexity of each listed option and how dynamic it could be.

In the more practical sense, this does not always apply, especially if it becomes oversimplified.

I'd love to read the book, to see the breakdown of each point listed here.

Aesop for Today, February 13

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Jo C. Feb 14, 2008, 3:19am EST

This book continues to be popular, an amazing story in itself.

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Emma L. Feb 14, 2008, 7:18am EST

I agree to a point...but I am a very positive person and have most of the negative "penalties"...but I am sick. I still look at life as when life throws you lemons...

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Kimberly Ripley Feb 14, 2008, 1:25pm EST

Not sure if the outcome will be as severe as stated, but I do believe the positives and negatives pack a mighty punch!

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Marianne M. Feb 14, 2008, 1:52pm EST

I believe we are happier and healthier if we can maintain a positive mental attitude. But I really have to work at it all the time! Good article, Alison.

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Sheila Deeth Feb 14, 2008, 5:09pm EST

Suspect most of us have a mixture of attitudes and rewards and consequences.

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Jule's dreamin of a wonderfilled life for all research mode again Feb 16, 2008, 12:09am EST

The wish to keep a positive attitude is foremost but the fear of the long list of ill winds turns this reader off.

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Kushal Poddar Feb 16, 2008, 3:14am EST

consider myself at the positive side.

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William Dotani Feb 16, 2008, 4:41pm EST

I mostly agree. Some people have physical disabilities, but that should be no excuse to not do what they can. Attitude is important no matter how you slice life. I especially like #9. Immunity from self-limitation. Almost everyone has talent, but too many people find excuses not to explore and utilize their talents.

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