A 73 Year Old New Book

Outwitting The Devil, by Napolean Hill.

Perhaps my all-time favorite business book is Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich.” I recommend reading and re-reading it, perhaps even annually, to keep your focus laser-sharp.

Now, I have an addition for your reading list. It’s “Outwitting the Devil,” written by Hill in 1938 (yes — 1938!) but never before released. Sharon Lechter, co-author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” has annotated this complex and compelling work, interpreting it for our times.

The history of the book itself is fascinating. Hill wrote it more than seven decades ago, but his family and advisers considered it too controversial for release. This book will no doubt make some readers squirm, but I’ll bet the farm it will make even more readers sit up and take action.

The topic couldn’t be more timely — breaking through inhibitions and living a life free from fear, doubt and dependency. Staring down those devils is an ongoing struggle. Life is constantly throwing challenges and fanning the flames of fear. Hill identifies the seven principles of good that lead to success.

Update: In a related manner, there have been reminders that not all successful people got there through formal education; at some point it is impossible for a teacher to instruct one to succeed, by definition it happens whenever a unique take reveals genius.