The Power of Positive Thinking (Paperback)

~ Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (Author) "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!..." (more)
Key Phrases: calm philosophy, worry habit, easy power, New York, Higher Power, Jesus Christ (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"This book is written with the sole objective of helping the reader achieve a happy, satisfying, and worthwhile life." -- Norman Vincent Peale

The Power of Positive Thinking has helped millions of men and women to achieve fulfillment in their lives. In this phenomenal bestseller, Dr. Peale demonstrates the power of faith in action. With the practical techniques outlined in this book, you can energize your life -- and give yourself the initiative needed to carry out your ambitions and hopes. You'll learn how to:

• believe in yourself and in everything you do

• build new power and determination

• develop the power to reach your goals

• break the worry habit and achieve a relaxed life

• improve your personal and professional relationships

• assume control over your circumstances

• be kind to yourself

From the Publisher

Translated into fifteen languages with more than 7 million copies sold, The Power of Positive Thinking is unparalleled in its extraordinary capacity for restoring the faltering faith of millions. In this insightful program, Dr. Peale offers the essence of his profound method for mastering the problems of everyday living. You will learn: How to eliminate that most devastating handicap---self doubt How to free yourself from worry, stress and resentment How to climb above problems to visualize solutions and then attain them Simple prayerful exercises that you can do every day, through-out the day, to reinforce your new-found habit of happiness Eliminating all the negative thoughts that prevent you from achieving happiness and success, The Power of Positive Thinking is an inspiring program that will help you create a positive change in your life. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 218 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; First Fireside edition (March 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743234804
• ISBN-13: 978-0743234801
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (207 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,644 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Theology > Practical Theology
  #3 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Reference > Theology
  #11 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Inspirational

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive Thinking = Positive Life, December 1, 2009

By	Sarah - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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. Those looking for something a little more in the physical rather than cognitive realm to pick you up, might be better off with a book like Exercise Beats Depression.

123 of 149 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars --->*mysterious TRANSITION*<---, February 26, 2000

By	Rachelle (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Power of Positive Thinking (Paperback)

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.."

35 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not a book for non-Christians, March 18, 2007

By	Ember (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Power of Positive Thinking (minature edition) (Hardcover)

The power of positive thinking and strong intentions is well-known and documented, and this short book does indeed offer some strategies for using these techniques. However, the book's primary focus is on establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ, and the author's attitude seems to be that the success of positive thinking hinges on that relationship.

I don't want to sound anti-Christian, but the powers of intention and the law of attraction are enough on their own to give all the results you could ever want or need. A belief in a specific deity or religion are completely unnecessary. Although Peale probably didn't know it at the time of original publication, the law of attraction is a scientific concept, not a religious one. Also, it's rather contradictory to tell someone that they have the power within to accomplish anything, but they need Jesus to do so. Either you have the power or you don't - Jesus has nothing to do with it. (And you DO have the power!)

If you are a Christian, I'm certain that the ideas in this book will resonate. And more power to you! But for those of us who are not, the book comes across as extremely preachy and outdated. There are many better choices on the same topic that don't have some mention of Jesus Christ on 90% of their pages.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I want to add that while I am not a Christian, I DO believe in God. I find it offensive, frankly, that people assume a belief in a deity means one is a Christian, and I want to make it clear that there are more options than just Christianity and atheism!)