Book Review: The Power of Positive Thinking By Norman Vincent Peale

Norman Vincent Peale was a minister, author, and one of the most recognized motivational speakers of the 20th century. His most well-known book, The Power of Positive Thinking, has sold millions of copies worldwide. In this book, Peale employs a Christian perspective and positive psychology to help people succeed.

The Honest Review: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

Even though many critics refused to take him seriously and accused his work of being pseudoscientific, his teachings resonated with the masses deeply. As a minister in New York City, Peale saw a lot of human misery. He was unsatisfied with delivering sermons weekly and wanted to help make active changes. Thus, he set to work on a system of practical techniques that would significantly improve people’s lives.

This system was tested and refined over the years he spent as a minister helping everyone who came to him. Peale wanted to teach positive thinking not for chasing riches and fame but for leading peaceful and meaningful lives.

For Peale, there is no more incredible source from which we can attain personal power and guidance than the Bible. The book is filled with Biblical quotes, giving it depth and timeless wisdom. Peale argues that we should not search for power within us but instead believe in a higher power to help us attain our goals. He writes that believing in the universe’s ability to provide is essential.

Once we do that, we can see how abundant life can be. We must look beyond the personal and take shelter in something greater than us. Peale also gives us many accounts to show the struggles of humanity and teach us why we should never give up in the face of adversity.

Here are some of the teachings that we learn from The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale:

The Energy of the Universe 

The knowledge that what we do is supported by divine power and that by connecting with the infinite, we get access to a renewable source of energy. If we only work for ourselves, we will burn out. 

Importance of Prayer 

Prayer allows us to express our feelings in any language we choose. Instead of asking for more, we should give thanks for the things we desire and visualize attaining them. Peale asks us to pray, imagine and actualize.

Expecting the Best 

When things aren’t going well in our lives, we begin to expect the worst. But if we were to expect the best, the universe would organize forces in our favor. The subconscious regulates our actions and reflects our beliefs. If we change our beliefs, our actions will automatically reflect that, and we will get the desired outcome. Peale writes that doubt closes the flow of power while faith opens it.

Positive Language 

Using hopeful and optimistic language can change our whole perspective. If we do this regularly, we will become more optimistic, and things that seemed too tricky before will suddenly appear very doable. Peale writes that our mind is mighty and that we will achieve so much more once we start believing in ourselves.

Wrap Up

The principles provided in The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale book are accessible and convenient in our daily lives. Finding a self-help book free of any gimmicks and providing practical techniques to better our lives is refreshing. Peale provides several well-oiled tools to chisel away all the cynicism and feeling of hopelessness that is bogging us down.

The focus on the spiritual aspect of life sets this book apart from other more basic self-help books. Reading this powerful work will actually help you change your ways and become more productive and content with life.