Acres of Diamonds: All Good Things Are Possible, Right Where You Are, and Now! [Paperback]

Russell Herman Conwell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1993

Meet a self-made man who lived a totally unselfish life, and who opened doors of opportunity for untold millions through his philosophy that 'All Good Things are Possible!'. He believed that each of us is placed here on earth for one main purpose -- to help others. Conwell was a minister, the founder of Temple University, and two hospitals where no-one was ever turned away for lack of money. He was also a famous lecturer. This is a spiritual book. It is not a 'get-rich-quick' guide. Conwell saw that success is a spiritual idea, and is a result of spiritual principles. The book includes the lecture and biographical material. Here is the original self-motivational message, long lost, now found.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Russell H. Conwell, the founder of Temple University in Philadelphia, was described by the great John Wanamaker as a student, schoolmaster, lawyer, preacher, organizer, thinker and writer, lecturer, educator, diplomat, and leader of men. Conwell was also the founder and pastor of Baptist Temple, one of the largest Protestant churches in America during his day and time. He also founded two hospitals in the City of Brotherly Love. His famous Acres of Diamonds speech helped countless individuals to come into the knowledge of the meaning of true wealth and how to attain it without getting sidetracked by selfishness and greed. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Progressive Press (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930852257
• ISBN-13: 978-0930852252
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Success Classic, June 25, 2006

By 

Ron Atkins "Ron" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acres of Diamonds: All Good Things Are Possible, Right Where You Are, and Now! (Paperback)

Russell Conwell's book, "Acres of Diamonds" was developed from a speech he delivered to church congregations over 5,000 times. The proceeds he earned from this speech are reputed to have given him a fortune, which he used to found Temple University in Philadelphia.

"Acres of Diamonds" is the story of a successful farmer in India named Al Hafed. Hafed is tempted by the allure of wealth and sells his farm to search the world for diamonds. Years later he dies penniless, having not found diamonds. However, back home the man who purchased Hafed's farm accidentally discovers a huge field of diamonds on Hafed's former land.

Conwell uses this story to illustrate that success often lies close at hand, if you are willing to open your eyes and mind to opportunity. Conwell further suggests that most people are "pygmies of their possible selves," rarely achieving the potential of their innate abilities or local opportunities. Conwell also discusses his basic philosophy of business and gives several rules, or suggestions, for budding entrepreneurs:

1. The seeds of fortune are close at hand. Stick with what you know, find your niche, and don't be swayed by the allure of "greener pastures."

2. Find out what people want, and fill that need. This sounds obvious, but many entrepreneurs start with a product or service, and then try to find a market for their product or service. Conwell advises finding the market first, then developing a product or service to meet that demand.

3. Make the best possible product and provide them to a large number of people.

"Acres of Diamonds" was first published in 1921. It is still valid today, and provides valuable lessons to anyone attempting to achieve financial success.

You may also want to read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The 17 Principles of Creating Wealth by Phillip Collinsowrth.

Ron Taylor

Author, Network Marketing: MLM strategies for Success and Wealth Creation

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic and a must read for orators, April 3, 2010

By 

Roy C. Butler II "Army Chaplain" (Fort Worth, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Acres of Diamonds: All Good Things Are Possible, Right Where You Are, and Now! (Paperback)

Happened upon this book following one of Zig Ziglar's reading lists. It was well worth the read. The story was uplifting and challenged me to look closer at the opportunities I have all around me. And, the biography of Conwell also challenged me as a preacher to strive to reach his level of performance.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a must for any business library, March 21, 2009

By 

Bill Sharp (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acres of Diamonds: All Good Things Are Possible, Right Where You Are, and Now! (Paperback)

Love this book. It is right up there with Think and Grow Rich, Strangest Secret, and other classic self-improvement and financial mindset books. It's a wonderful presentation/story and very quick to read.

This book has been the inspiration that has generated millions or dollars and the richest men in the world have read it. Ask any millionaire, if you don't believe me. :)

The reason it's 4-stars instead of 5 for me, is because I feel books like Think and Grow Rich should come first. That is just me though. This book may be #1 for you. Regardless, it will certainly be up there, I promise. It's an excellent book.