During young Napoleon Hill's interview with Andrew Carnegie, the man who had built one of the most powerful industrial empires in human history after once being a penniless immigrant in a new land, told Hill that the world needed a philosophy of success based upon the "know-how" of men like himself who had gained their knowledge by experience over a lifetime through the trial and error method. It needed some type of blueprint that would help people make the most of their talents.
The Ten Rules of Success
When asked how he had done it, Hill explained the 10-point success formula Carnegie had suggested as a starting point for his research:
1. Definiteness of Purpose--the setting of a major goal or purpose.
2. Master-Mind Alliance--contacting and working with people who have what you haven't.
3. Going the Extra Mile--doing more than you have to do is the only thing that justifies raises or promotions, and puts people under an obligation to you. Hill's eagerness to serve others gave him still greater opportunities. Today, we call this practicing the Law of Reciprocity: www.LawofReciprocity.com
4. Applied Faith--the kind of belief that has action behind it.
5. Personal Initiative--do what you should do without being told to do it.
6. Imagination--daring to do what you think is possible.
7. Enthusiasm--the contagious quality that will attract correlative enthusiasm.
8. Accurate Thinking--the ability to separate facts from fiction and to use those pertinent to your own concerns or problems.
9. Concentration of Effort--not being diverted from any purpose.
10. Profiting by Adversity--remembering that there is an equivalent benefit for every setback.
"The Science of Success: Napoleon Hill's Proven Program for Prosperity and Happiness" is a collection of rare essays and articles penned by bestselling self-help author Napoleon Hill for his "Science of Success" newspaper columns, as well as articles written about Hill and his renowned influence. These writings, which contain his teachings on the nature of prosperity and how to attain it, demonstrate the relevancy and practicality of Dr. Hill's timeless philosophy.
Hill's philosophy remains a living, growing concept of people and the factors that govern their lives.