Life History of Norman Vincent Peale Plus You Can If You Think You Can Book Commentary

Did you ever wonder how successful people like Norman Vincent Peale, author of the Power of Positive Thinking and many other books, got started? What made them the person they are? How did Norman Vincent Peale begin his life and how did he discover the power of positive thinking?

This article highlights Norman Vincent Peale's life and how he became one the most famous authors and successful people in the world. It will provide an overview of Norman Vincent Peale's background, and where he got his determination to become a supremely happy person and influence others to do the same.

When was Norman Vincent Peale born? May 31, 1898, in Bowersville, Ohio. He had two younger brothers, and his parents were Anna and Charles Peale.

Where did Norman Vincent Peale study? Ohio Wesleyan University and Boston University School of Theology

What were Norman Vincent Peale's professions?

Minister: According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Norman Vincent Peale was attracted to the ministry from his father, who was a Methodist preacher. His father advised him "that the way to the human heart is through simplicity."

At age 24, in 1922, he was ordained as a Methodist minister. Ten years later, at age 32, he changed his religious affiliation to the Reformed Church in America and became pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan, New York. He became one of New York's most famous preachers, growing the church to over 5000 members.

Author: In addition to his most popular book, the Power of Positive Thinking, he authored many other books including The Art of Living, Confident Living and This Incredible Century. The Power of Positive Thinking was first published in 1952, and was on a New York Times bestseller for 186 consecutive weeks!

Professional speaker: Norman Vincent Peale lectured at sermons, radio broadcasts and TV.

He had a career that spanned over 7 decades!

He had a profound impact on millions of people, and continues to positively influence people in the world today. Another famous and sometimes humorous quote: "It is of practical value to learn to like yourself. Since you must spend so much time with yourself you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship."

Think of something positive and upbeat right now...a song, a place, a person, an event...paint a picture in your mind of something beautiful and imagine being there right now.

Norman Vincent Peale is the author of 46 books, including "You Can If You Think You Can". Here is another famous quote by Mr. Peale: "People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success."

In his book, "You Can If You Think You Can", he discusses his persistence principle and how it's always too soon to quit. He also discusses his recommended steps to solve every problem which include the following:

• Motivate yourself....tell yourself you can accomplish anything.

• Believe in yourself and have confidence in yourself.

• Forget your fears.

• Learn that you make miracles happen.

• Avoid thoughts of failure; instead, focus on success.

• Draw upon the resources in your mind.

• Ease up and have a sense of humor.

• Get on top of things and stay there.

Norman Vincent Peale's principles of positive thinking have influenced millions of people in the world. There are still so many more people who can benefit from learning more about these principles. If you are a positive thinker, use the power of positive influence everyday with others. Something as simple as a smile will positively influence others more than you think.

Dr. Peale's legacy continues today through his books, and through the Peale Christian for Christian Living. For free help and inspiring reading, go to guideposts.org and you can sign up to receive weekly inspirational newsletters. Guideposts was started by Norman Vincent Peale after World War II, first as a 4-page leaflet, and then as a monthly magazine in the 1950s.

Please take a moment to watch this brief video of quotes by Norman Vincent Peale: