Carnegie Did Not Let Lack of Wealth or Education Hold Him Back

Within a decade, he was  financially secure and over the ensuing three decades became the wealthiest man in America. When he was thirty-three, he wrote a note to himself to retire when he was 35, for fear “To continue much longer overwhelmed by business cares … must degrade me beyond hope of permanent recovery.”

“He Who Dies Rich, Dies in Disgrace”

He didn’t retire for another 30 years.  Mr. Carnegie had his detractors too, due to his fight against unions, refusal to offer decent pay for his workers in the steel mills, and his allowing unfair working conditions and hours.  Many were forced to work seven days a week for 12 hours a day with no retirement.

At the age 65 he sold his company to JP Morgan. He then devoted the rest of his life to creating avenues for education, peace, and helping others. He did not believe in leaving wealth to heirs. He felt that they should be provided for but that leaving them a fortune would do more harm than good.  For the next 18 years, until he died in 1919, Carnegie proceeded to give away $350 million. By the time of his death, he had created 22 different trusts all united for the purpose of benefiting humankind. It is reported that his wealth is responsible for opening over 2800 libraries.  In his own words, “He who dies rich, dies in disgrace.”

To continue to Part 5: Napoleon Hill’s 17 Success Principles, click here – http://wp.me/ppImQ-rG

http://canadianhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/the-carnegie-libraryum–libraries-in-canada

What Do You Want from the Universe?

Napoleon Hill became so inspired by Andrew Carnegie that it changed his whole outlook on life and he then dedicated the next 20 years to studying and writing about how to become extraordinarily successful. So what did he find out?  He summed it up in his 17 success principles.  The first of his principles was ‘definiteness of purpose.”

Mr. Hill directs his readers to answer two questions.  The first, “What do you want from the universe?” He says to write it down and recite our desire a dozen or more times each day.  And, the second question, “What are you willing to do or give for it?”

Carnegie had taught him that, “It is the mind that makes the body rich,” and that, “No man can become rich without enriching others.”

I call this ‘definiteness of purpose,” certitude.  Certitude for me is, knowing for sure why I am here on the planet and understanding the wisdom of using my talents and gifts to serve humanity and not only myself.  Are you clear on your goals?  Have you decided and chosen what you want from this life?  Have you written your goals down?  Have you been specific?

The Mastermind Principle

The second principle and the one I’d like to focus on in this message was the Mastermind principle.  He asserts that no one that has achieved any significant success has done it alone.  They all took advantage of the mastermind principle that entailed bringing together a small group of trusted people and using their synergistic power of prayer, creativity, and knowledge to spark ideas, solve problems, or provide resources.

So, if you could use a little push or need a serious shove in the right direction, find a few people that you trust and seek their prayerful consultation, mentorship, or collaboration.  I write about using a mastermind group in my book, ‘Talleyup: The Excitement of Value-based Living’ under the topic of spiritual consultation.

http://www.barbaratalley.com/index_files/TalleyUP_Reawaken_the_Dreamer_in_You.htm

List of Napoleon Hill’s 17 Success Principles

Some of Napoleon Hill’s other principles are a Positive Mental Attitude, Pleasing Personality, Applied Faith, Go the Extra Mile, Personal Initiative, Enthusiasm, Self Discipline, Accurate Thinking, Controlled Attention, Teamwork, Learning from Adversity and Defeat, Creative Vision, Maintenance of Sound Health, Budgeting Time and Money, and Cosmic Habitforce. http://www.naphill.org/

Continued from Part 5: Napoleon Hill’s 17  Success Principles- http://wp.me/ppImQ-rG

To continue to Part 7: Success and Money Are Spiritual Matters, click here:  http://wp.me/ppImQ-rV

c) 2010, Barbara S. Talley- All Rights Reserved

Barbara Talley is a keynote speaker, author of six books, and trainer on value-based living themes.  She also offers Effective Communication, Diversity, Leadership, Time Management, and Goal Setting workshops.  Visit her at www.thepoetspeaks.com or contact her at 301-428-4831.  You may email her at Barbara@ThePoetSpeaks.com.