Quick Take

Napoleon Hill wrote this book in 1938, just after publication of his all-time bestseller, Think and Grow Rich . This powerful tale has never been published, considered too controversial by his family and friends.Using his legendary ability to get to the root of human potential, Napoleon Hill digs deep to identify the greatest obstacles we face in reaching personal fear, procrastination, anger, and jealousy, as tools of the Devil. These hidden methods of control can lead us to ruin, and Hill reveals the seven principles of good that will allow us to triumph over them and succeed.Annotated and edited for a contemporary audience by Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Three Feet from Gold co-author Sharon Lechter, this book is profound, powerful, resonant, and rich with insight.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the captivating world of Napoleon Hill's book, "Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success." Published in 1938, this groundbreaking work has remained unpublished for decades, deemed too controversial by the author's family and friends. With its profound insights and powerful message, "Outwitting the Devil" has garnered a loyal following among readers seeking personal growth and success. In this book review summary, we will explore the author's background, analyze readers' views, and discuss the reasons why this book has resonated with so many people.

About Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill was an American author who made significant contributions to the field of personal-success literature. He was one of the earliest producers of the modern genre of personal-success literature and is widely regarded as one of the great writers on success. Hill's works examined the power of personal beliefs and their role in personal success. He became an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1936. Hill's hallmark expression, "What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve," encapsulates his belief in the transformative power of thought.

Analysis of Views

Thought-provoking and life-changing: Readers describe "Outwitting the Devil" as a thought-provoking and life-changing book that challenges their mindset. They encourage others to approach the book with an open mind, recognizing that it may not be a literal representation of the devil but rather a metaphorical exploration of the obstacles that hold us back from success.
Fascinating storytelling: The book's narrative, which features a dialogue between Napoleon Hill and the devil, is praised for its engaging storytelling. Readers find it captivating and quick to read, with insights gained from Hill's years of interviewing successful people and analyzing their experiences.
Controversial content: Some readers find the book's content controversial, particularly its exploration of religious and public school systems. They appreciate the insights into why these systems often work together to deliver individuals to the devil's control. However, others feel that the religious aspects of the book may not resonate with everyone.
Practical principles for success: Readers appreciate the seven principles outlined in the book, which provide practical guidance for achieving spiritual, physical, and mental freedom. These principles include having a definite purpose, mastering oneself, learning from adversity, controlling environmental influence, using time wisely, harmonizing with one's purpose, and exercising caution.
Timely and relevant: Despite being written in 1938, "Outwitting the Devil" is considered timely and relevant today. Readers appreciate its timeless wisdom and recommend it to others seeking personal growth and success. They see it as a valuable resource for navigating adversity and overcoming challenges in their lives.

Reasons for Recommendation

Inspiring perspective: Readers recommend "Outwitting the Devil" for its inspiring perspective on overcoming obstacles and achieving success. They find it empowering to recognize that many of their fears and defeats are tools used by the devil to hold them back. By embracing these insights, readers believe they can break free from these limitations and pursue their goals.
Practical guidance: The practical principles outlined in the book resonate with readers seeking guidance on how to overcome adversity and achieve success. They appreciate Hill's focus on developing a definite purpose, mastering oneself, learning from setbacks, controlling environmental influence, using time wisely, harmonizing with one's purpose, and exercising caution. These principles provide a framework for personal growth and help readers navigate challenges in their lives.
Timeless wisdom: Despite being written over 80 years ago, "Outwitting the Devil" remains relevant today. Readers appreciate its timeless wisdom and find it applicable to their own lives. They see it as a valuable resource for personal development and believe that its insights can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetitive content: Some readers find the book repetitive in parts, particularly towards the end when it becomes more focused on religious aspects. They feel that certain sections drag on and detract from the overall flow of the narrative. However, these readers still appreciate the overall message of the book and find it valuable despite these minor drawbacks.
Personal preference: Like any book, "Outwitting the Devil" may not resonate with everyone due to personal preference or beliefs. Some readers may find certain aspects of the book too controversial or challenging to accept. However, they still acknowledge its impact on their lives and appreciate its overall message of personal growth and success.

Conclusion

"Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success" by Napoleon Hill is a thought-provoking and life-changing book that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. With its exploration of personal beliefs and their role in achieving success, this book offers practical guidance for overcoming obstacles and realizing one's full potential. While some readers find it repetitive or controversial, they still recognize its timeless wisdom and recommend it as a valuable resource for personal growth. Overall, "Outwitting the Devil" continues to inspire individuals seeking freedom and success in their lives.