Customer Reviews

The Power of Positive Thinking

5 star:		(154)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(34)

 

 

I'm one of the ordinary teens that go out & live life in a typical teen perception (e.g. parties, friends, listenining to music, enjoying youth as it is, etc.) I used to be the type of person who typically never found interests with the ''positive thinking'' category (i was cynical at the time). I read this book one day cause it was lying on top my dad's desk, i was hoping to ''kill time'' by glancing at a few pages. Suddenly, i became attached towards Peale's theories and i began reading from page to page and started applying positive concepts into daily situations (even when ''obstacles'' were bound to hold me back) and mysteriously enough my attitude towards life transformed me into an optimist and a devoted believer in God which in turn, gave me successfull results (especially in my academics!). Hey, you have no need to believe me if you choose too, but I strongly affirm this book WILL alter your mind into becoming a believer with ''The Power of Positive Thinking''. If you're a parent with a stressful life style, THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. If you're the hard worker feeling as if you're not getting anywhere, THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. If you're a student feeling ''tripped & zoned out'', THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. All the people i've mentioned illustrates the average person bombarded with everyday problems (trust me, i literally live with them), yet the solution lies in front of your eyes because this book draws out supplies of confidence, faith in your own abilities, positive affirmations, and spiritual guidance in YOUR life...hey, i wouldn't just waste time to make this book review and neither would the rest of these people who placed an entry analysis for this book. "Faith power brings miracles.."

It's such a simple and effective concept, that positive thinking creates a positive life, yet hard to do at times- which is a good reason alone to read this book.

Most everything we accomplish each day starts out as a thought. Thoughts flash across our minds each day, all day long, and directly influence how we feel and what we do. So, if you spend your day thinking about negative things, expect to feel bad. On the other hand, if you spend your day concentrating on positive things, good things will happen. And that's basically the purposeand premise of this book- to change your thinking for the better, which in turn will influences your life. The book will "reset your sights" so to speak.

Each chapter of the book tackles important life issues, such as worrying, creating happiness, having energy, etc. Examples of the principles abound, and each chapter ends with a nice summary.

An inspiring and entertaining read, I recommend this book to anyone who needs a little nudge in the direction of positive thinking. Know though, that there is a definite religious tone throughout the book, which could bother some. Other positive thinking books I liked include The Prayer Project: How Each One of Us Can Make The World a Better Place to Live - In a Few Minutes a Day.

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I was looking over the reviews, and there were some really negative ones which complained about the religious messages, the repetition, the self-cheerleading, and the dated-ness of the material in the book.

These people don't get it. I'm a totally avowed atheist, so I ignored the Jesus talk. The repetition is important, because it's really a set of principles being taught, that the author is trying to hammer into your head.

I agree that Dr. Peale is more self-congratulatory (and frankly, more status-conscious) than I prefer in an author, but that doesn't change the fundamental correctness of the message.

I think the dated-ness of the material actually helps, because it shows that there's nothing new under the sun in terms of the human condition. Sometimes we think we live in unique times, and while that's true in some areas, the area of personal difficulty is always the same, regardless of one's external surroundings.

This book is worth every penny. Better than the Bible, in my mind, for those who are inclined to Christian beliefs.

THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING by Norman Vincent
Peale is one of my favorite books . . . so imagine my delight
when I had the opportunity to revisit it recently as a result
of listening to the taped version.

Best of all: Peale did most of the narration . . . while some
could argue that his speaking voice wasn't the greatest (or at least
at the age when he read this particular version), I enjoyed
it even more so because he was the one doing the reading.

His advice from the book remains timeless; i.e., provided you
can get through some of the parts that might be a little
too religious-based for your particular taste . . . I was
able to do so and so was thus able to enjoy such insights
as the following:

* As you think, so shall you be.

* I don't believe people are born negative thinkers. All babies,
unless they're ill, are positive. Positive thinking is extremely
natural. Unfortunately, some babies are born into negative
households. Since they're very susceptible to their
environment, they absorb the negative impulses and attitudes
around them.

* Create a mental picture of yourself as a success. Hold on
to this picture tenaciously. Since your mind tries to complete
what it pictures, always picture SUCCESS no matter how badly
things seem to be going at the moment. Whenever a negative
thought about your personal power comes to mind, deliberately
voice a positive thought to cancel it out.

* Anger, fear and worry are among the most subtle and
destructive of all emotions. To counteract their power, fill your
mind with good will, forgiveness, faith, and love.

* Each time you feel a surge of anger, ask yourself, "Is this
really worth what it is doing to me emotionally? Do I really want
to make a fool of myself in front of friends or family?

* Practice happy thinking. Make a mental list of pleasant thoughts
and pass them through your mind several times each day. If an
unpleasant thought should enter your mind, immediately stop,
reject it and substitute a pleasant thought.

And, lastly, there was this idea that I do try to practice every day:
* Every morning before rising, lie relaxed in bed for a few minutes.
Let pictures of each happy experience you expect to have that
say, pass across your mind. Savor their joy. such thoughts will
cause events to turn out that way.

There's an excellent Listener's Guide that accompanies THE POWER
OF POSITIVE THINKING.

This book should really be called "The Power of Prayer" so the title is half misleading. I say half, because prayer is a type of mental discipline, therefore, it is a special type of thinking, but not quite "positive thinking" per se.

This is a wonderful book on prayer, and you cannot fault anyone for trying to help other people draw closer to God, since that is what prayer is: speaking with the infinite. Dr. Peale encourages intercessory prayers, that is, sending our prayers in behalf of other people, especially random prayers for people you don't know.

Being a very praxological-heavy book, the theology and orthodoxy comes in only to explain the proper practice. In other words, this book has strong legs and busy hands, and is a real "hand's on" book. It tells you what you need to do to become better. As I said earlier, prayer is a type of mental discipline thane involves control, focus, and a concern for other people and other things beside you. And that is what good religion is all about: love for your neighbor.

The title has become a bit of a byword, but it is nice to see what Dr. Peal is really talking about. It is not a mere chanmge of mind, or mental technique, but he is advocating a fuller life in Christ. This is a very spiritual book, and not some pop-psychological mumbo jumbo.

Given to the right person at the right time, this book can provide the foundation to self development: a strong mindset and a positive attitude. Peale's approach is simple but effective, even for the nonreligious - keep an open mind and just try it. Any genuine effort will be pleasantly rewarded.

This book has definitely changed my life. I recommend it to anyone who is at a low especially. It has given me a new outlook on life and helped me become a positive person. I was very jumpy, nervous, even depressed before, this book really helped me to take my time and calm down. I now know that I can handle things much better

"Tell me what you think about when you don't have to think; and I will tell you what you are and largely what you will become"

Brother Peale uncovers the learning of his lifetime, "I think, therefore, I am". He combines his learning as a religious leader and as a person to teach how thoughts create your situation. I particularly enjoy this book because he includes how belief in God can help each of us.

The book mostly covers how to use your thoughts to improve your situation. Positive thinking will help you emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Positive thinking will also help you in your endeavors at work. I have applied the principles in this book and have experienced a change in myself and the world around me. The power of positive thinking has spread to my wife and to my friends. I have also read "Think and Grow Rich". "The Power of Positive Thinking" will greatly supplement the chapters on the power of thought in TAGR.

By applying the principles taught in "The Power of Positive Thinking" you will enhance your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical life. This is a book for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and any other religion that believes in a loving God.

I grew up to believe that God would stick his foot out and trip me when the going got too good; hence, I was wracked with anxiety and sabotaged every good thing that ever happened to me until I read this book. Norman Vincent Peale released me from fear and gave me confidence, peace of mind, and a happy marriage. Most important, he restored my faith and helped me begin a relationship with God. If you suffer from anxiety, lack of self-confidence, inability to sustain relationships, this book is for you!

3 years ago, I wrote a review describing my "mysterious transition" after reading this book. I was your typical teen who liked "hanging out" with friends, going to parties, and enjoy youth as it is. I had never intended to read this book until I accidentally came across a copy on top of my dad's desk and had hoped to "kill time" with it. Fortunately, I was grasped by such profounding ideas in the first few pages that I kept reading on until I applied Peale's suggestions towards daily activities and my attitude towards life had changed completely! My relationship with others improved, my grades in school became very outstanding, my appreciation for the academia went beyond I could've ever imagined, and most importantly my admiration for Christianity and life itself had developed into something truly indispensable. Keep in mind, I was the exact opposite of everything I had just stated here, in other words, a negative person. Of course, it has been 3 years since I wrote about this and I still refer to Peale's book for specific guidance! Currently, I am attending a fine university and I am STILL inspired to conquer life's challenges and reach towards great goals with humble faith and optimism. Its principles and applications towards daily situations has brought me many victories (externally AND internally!). Whoever you are (worker, parent, student, etc.) and wherever you are, living life to the fullest is yours; it can begin with this book and boy, is it a grand experience when its principles are applied. I absolutely RECOMMEND this book. Hey, how often do you hear about a reviewer coming back TWICE to advocate this book? Like I said 3 years ago, I wouldn't just waste time to write an entry analysis on The Power of Positive Thinking, and neither would the other reviewers. "An inflow of new thoughts can remake you regardless of every difficulty you may now face...'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' " (N.V.P.)