Key Concepts

Argument/Principle Explanation
Desire The book emphasizes the importance of having a burning desire and definite purpose as the starting point for achieving success.
Faith It discusses the role of faith in developing self-confidence and overcoming obstacles and challenges.
Auto-Suggestion The concept of auto-suggestion, or self-talk, is presented as a powerful tool for programming the mind for success.
Specialized Knowledge The book highlights the importance of acquiring specialized knowledge and expertise in one's chosen field.
Imagination It emphasizes the power of imagination and creative thinking in conceiving and achieving one's goals.
Organized Planning The book stresses the need for organized planning and taking deliberate actions towards achieving one's desires.
Decision It discusses the importance of making firm decisions and taking responsibility for one's choices.
Persistence The book highlights the crucial role of persistence and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Power of the Master Mind It introduces the concept of the "Master Mind," which involves surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals to achieve greater success.
The Mystery of Sex Transmutation The book explores the idea of transmuting sexual energy into creative and productive energy, which can fuel one's ambitions.

Quotes

Chapter Quote
Chapter 1: Introduction "Truly, 'thoughts are things,' and powerful things at that, when they are mixed with definiteness of purpose, persistence, and a burning desire for their translation into riches, or other material objects."
Chapter 2: Desire "The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat."
Chapter 3: Faith "Faith is the 'eternal elixir' which gives life, power, and action to the impulse of thought!"
Chapter 4: Autosuggestion "The subconscious mind makes no distinction between constructive and destructive thought impulses. It works with the material we feed it, through our thought impulses."
Chapter 5: Specialized Knowledge "Knowledge is only potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into definite plans of action, and directed to a definite end."
Chapter 6: Imagination "The imagination is literally the workshop wherein are fashioned all plans created by man."
Chapter 7: Organized Planning "Plan your work and work your plan."
Chapter 8: Decision "Accurate analysis of over 25,000 men and women who had experienced failure disclosed the fact that lack of decision was near the head of the list of the 30 major causes of failure."
Chapter 9: Persistence "Persistence is to the character of man as carbon is to steel."
Chapter 10: Power of the Master Mind "Economic advantage may be created by any person who surrounds himself with the advice, counsel, and personal cooperation of a group of men who are willing to lend him wholehearted aid in a spirit of perfect harmony."
Chapter 11: The Mystery of Sex Transmutation "When driven by this emotion, men become gifted with a superpower for action."
Chapter 12: The Subconscious Mind "The subconscious mind consists of a field of consciousness, in which every impulse of thought that reaches the objective mind, through any of the five senses, is classified and recorded, and from which thoughts may be recalled or withdrawn."
Chapter 13: The Brain "More than twenty years ago, the late Dr. Alexander Graham Bell said, '...it is as if it were yesterday,' through autosuggestion. The telepathy and clairvoyance phenomena are beginning to be recognized by modern science as true aids for contacting thoughts broadcast by human beings."
Chapter 14: The Sixth Sense "Through the aid of the Sixth Sense, you will be warned of impending dangers in time to avoid them, and notified of opportunities in time to embrace them."
Chapter 15: The Six Ghosts of Fear "There is nothing to fear but fear itself."

Contents

Chapter Title Summary
Chapter 1 Introduction Introduces the book's purpose and the idea that thoughts are powerful tools for achieving wealth and success. Hill discusses the influence of 500 wealthy individuals who provided insights for the book.
Chapter 2 Desire Focuses on the significance of having a burning desire to achieve financial success. Hill emphasizes the need for a clear, definite goal and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve it.
Chapter 3 Faith Discusses the importance of having unwavering faith in yourself and your goals. Faith acts as a catalyst to transform desire into tangible success.
Chapter 4 Autosuggestion Explains the process of feeding your subconscious mind with positive affirmations and thoughts, ultimately influencing your behavior and actions.
Chapter 5 Specialized Knowledge Highlights the value of acquiring specialized knowledge in your field. Continuous learning and applying this knowledge are critical for success.
Chapter 6 Imagination Encourages using creativity and imagination to come up with innovative solutions and ideas. Imagination is described as the workshop where all plans are created.
Chapter 7 Organized Planning Stresses the importance of detailed and methodical planning in achieving your goals. Hill outlines steps for creating and implementing effective plans.
Chapter 8 Decision Advises making firm, prompt decisions and sticking to them. Successful people are decisive and not easily swayed by external influences.
Chapter 9 Persistence Explains how perseverance is essential in overcoming obstacles and challenges. Persistent effort is a key trait of successful individuals.
Chapter 10 The Master Mind Describes the power of forming alliances with like-minded individuals. A mastermind group provides support, feedback, and shared knowledge.
Chapter 11 The Mystery of Sex Transmutation Discusses how sexual energy can be transformed into creative and productive energy, driving success in various aspects of life.
Chapter 12 The Subconscious Mind Emphasizes the role of the subconscious mind in shaping your life and outcomes. Feeding it positive thoughts is crucial for achieving your goals.
Chapter 13 The Brain Explains how the brain acts as a broadcasting and receiving station for thoughts. Mentions the importance of tuning into positive frequencies to attract success.
Chapter 14 The Sixth Sense Describes the concept of intuition or the "sixth sense" as a way to access creative ideas and guidance from a higher intelligence. It is developed through meditation and mental discipline.
Chapter 15 How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear Identifies six major fears (poverty, criticism, ill health, loss of love, old age, and death) and provides strategies to overcome them. Emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and positive thinking.