have their roots in simple experiences. Mr. Darby's
experiences were commonplace and simple enough, yet they held the
answer to his destiny in life, therefore they were as important
(to him) as life itself. He profited by these two dramatic experiences,
because he analyzed them, and found the lesson they taught. But
what of the man who has neither the time, nor the inclination to
study failure in search of knowledge that may lead to success? Where,
and how is he to learn the art of converting defeat into stepping
stones to opportunity?
In answer to these questions, this book was written.
The answer called for a description of thirteen principles, but
remember, as you read, the answer you may be seeking, to the questions
which have caused you to ponder over the strangeness of life, may
be found in your own mind, through some idea, plan, or purpose which
may spring into your mind as you read.
One sound idea is all that one needs to achieve success. The principles
described in this book, contain the best, and the most practical
of all that is known, concerning ways and means of creating useful
ideas.
Before we go any further in our approach to the description of these
principles, we believe you are entitled to receive this important
suggestion…. WHEN RICHES BEGIN TO COME THEY COME SO QUICKLY, IN
SUCH GREAT ABUNDANCE, THAT ONE WONDERS WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN HIDING
DURING ALL THOSE LEAN YEARS. This is an astounding statement, and
all the more so, when we take into consideration the popular belief,
that riches come only to those who work hard and long.
When you begin to THINK AND GROW RICH, you will observe that riches
begin with a state of mind, with definiteness of purpose, with little
or no hard work. You, and every other person, ought to be interested
in knowing how to acquire that state of mind which will attract
riches. I spent twenty-five years in research, analyzing more than
25,000 people, because I, too, wanted to know "how wealthy
men become that way.
Without that research, this book could not have been written.
Here take notice of a very significant truth, viz:
The business depression started in 1929, and continued on to an
all time record of destruction, until sometime after President Roosevelt
entered office. Then the depression began to fade into nothingness.
Just as an electrician in a theatre raises the lights so gradually
that darkness is transmuted into light before you realize it, so
did the spell of fear in the minds of the people gradually fade
away and become faith.
Observe very closely, as soon as you master the principles of this
philosophy, and begin to follow the instructions for applying those
principles, your financial status will begin to improve, and everything
you touch will begin to transmute itself into an asset for your
benefit. Impossible? Not at all!
One of the main weaknesses of mankind is the average man's familiarity
with