Customer Reviews

Acres of Diamonds (Life-Changing Classics)

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Toward the end of his life, Russell H. Conwell (1843-1925) observed, "I am astonished that so many people should care to hear this story over again. Indeed, this lecture has become a study in psychology; it often breaks all rules of oratory, departs from the precepts of rhetoric, and yet remains the most popular of any lecture I have delivered in the fifty-seven years of my public life. I have sometimes studied for a year upon a lecture and made careful research, and then presented the lecture just once -- never delivered it again. I put too much work on it. But this had no work on it -- thrown together perfectly at random, spoken offhand without any special preparation, and it succeeds when the thing we study, work over, adjust to a plan, is an entire failure." He then went on to explain to each audience that "acres of diamonds are to be found in this city, and you are to find them. Many have found them. And what man has done, man can do. [They are] are not in far-away mountains or in distant seas; they are in your own back yard if you will but dig for them." These comments provide an excellent introduction to Conwell's book. As I read it, I thought about Dorothy in L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz. Only after a series of adventures far from Kansas did she realize that "there's no place like home." What Conwell has in mind involves far more than such appreciation, however. The tale he shares in this book, concerning a wealthy Persian named Ali Hafed, demonstrates that almost everything we may seek elsewhere is already in our lives and available to us.

This book is small, eloquent, and easy to understand. It is about life, success, money, and priorities, what these things are and aren't, and will continue to challenge the way most of us choose to live our lives for years. Read this one instead of "Who Moved My Cheese."

As a child my father gave me this book to read and I didn't quite understand it all. 15 years later I pulled it out and decided to read it again. I'm so glad I did. My copy is battered, so I'm buying a new one to have to give to my children in the future. This book is incredibly inspirational while remaining logical and lighthearted. An excellent book for a young adult who is on the verge of having to make lifelong decisions. Short and simple to read.

A simple story, yet within is one of the most inspirational messages on achievement - that everything one needs for success is probably right in their vicinity, and all one has to do is to recognise it. Someone once stated that people learn more through a story than from a lecture or cold hard information - here is proof of the validity of that statement.

I loved the book and looked forward to hearing the tape--it's the kind of book you can gain fresh insights from each time you read it.

But the audiobook, specifically Billy Nash's narration, is so hokey and overdramatic that the effect is spoiled. Stick with the book!

Whoever said that great things come in small packages, must have had this book in mind. Conwell tells the story of a man who looked for diamonds and travelled the whole world to find them. After years of searching he came back home empty handed. His wife remarried and he was destitute. By accident one day he found the diamonds in his own backyard. The moral is obvious: Examine all the evidence to find truth. Most of the time its right under your nose. Although conwell uses this story to illustrate some matters of business, the message can be applied to anything. The smartest people in the world use the principles in this book whether they know it or not. The smart and succesful are usually in the minority and probably always will be. Others may not grasp the genius in this book, but the principles of success are here.

Acres of Diamonds is one of those titles that you cannot judge by its size. While small, the title is chock full of wisdom for those who aspire to make more of their lives.

Among the important points covered include:

1. Become more aware and sensitive of the opportunities that may be closer to you than you think.

2. Be careful about giving children a very large inheritance lest they fail to learn to work for their wealth.

3. Do not separate your religion from your business.

4. Know what people need, then invest yourself where you are most needed.

5. Knowing what people need will give you more knowledge of obtaining a fortune than any amount of capital can give you.

The author, Russell Conwell, served with the Union Army and also mentions his encounter with President Lincoln just before his assassination.

The book is simple and full common sense. Read and enjoy. Recommended!

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

Really enjoyed this little gem. Abe Lincoln's success formula and others are filled with common sense tactics to leading a rich life. Looking forward to using some of these pearls and passing this book on to those I care about.

Acres of Diamonds is a lecture that Russell Conwell, founder of Temple University, delivered more than 6,000 times across the country. Through this lecture, Conwell debunks the idea that it is noble to be poor, an idea that far too many Christians share. He illustrates that it is our duty as Christians to use our gifts to honestly earn riches, because you can do more good with riches than without.

Conwell successfully illustrates the difference between the popular expression "money is the root of all evil" and the complete Biblical passage which states "the love of money is the root of all evil". The love of money is idolatry, but money itself is neither good nor evil. It is simply a tool which may be used for either good or evil.

In these pages we learn the virtues of earning money through honest, hard work. We learn to look for opportunities to serve others in our own back yard by simply finding a need and filling it. If you wish to be great, begin with who you are right now, where you are right now. Follow these principles, and you will uncover your own acres of diamonds.

Larry Hehn, Author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory