The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale: Book Review
The Power of Positive Thinking is a book by one of the most well known purveyors of self-belief and mind power. Norman Vincent Peale was Christian minister and the book does contain some reference to religion and faith.
The Power of Positive Thinking was the first mind power book that I ever read. My father gave me the book when I was nine years old; I have read it repeatedly throughout my life. Recently I felt the need to read it again. This book is powerful, I have used it in combination with The Secret to push myself to the limit, I have used it to change the way I think.
Peale talks about how the mind is very powerful. He combines the power of the mind with the power of faith in God.
He says, “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Meaning that if you change the way you think about your circumstances your world will subsequently change.
I love this book and I will always refer back to it. As much as I love it, many people have expressed their distaste towards it. The book has come up against a lot of criticism because Peale does not just talk about using our own power. He talks about the power of God. He talks about having faith in a higher power. Which is would sit well with believers, however; non-believers might be offended by this idea. I for one was not and I am not offended by it. Having said this however, books like The Secret and Think and Grow Rich do not necessarily refer to an all-powerful God.
Who would this book be good for?
I personally think that everyone needs this book. Some people might beg to differ; I think it can even help non-believers. Having said this though, I think that if you have some Christian beliefs you might enjoy it a little more than someone who is an atheist, or even agnostic for that matter.
One of the quotes from the book that I have written down and placed on my mirror is:
“ If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal.”
The book basically teaches you to be a positive individual. To look on the bright side of life and to change the way you think about your current situation. Negative thoughts only produce negative results. If you want things to change in your life, you have to do something that you have never done before. If you do the same thing repeatedly, your life will always remain the same. Therefore, if you have lived in a cycle of negative thought for most of your life, now is the time to change it. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale can help you to change the way you think. This book can you give you the kick-start you need to start making something of your life. It can help with depression, ill health, marital problems, goal setting, and new career direction. There are so many situations that this book can help with.
I fully recommend this book; The power of Positive Thinking is a book that you can read over and over again.
