I found this book to be even better than the more well-known ”The power of positive thinking” but this may partly have been because I read the book under review in a more reader-friendly edition with larger print and so forth, and also it had not been read so many times and therefore wasn’t falling apart (it was a library book) like the former book.

Actually, it was very much the same as the afore-mentioned book, filled with life-improving techniques and success stories.

Rev. Peale begins the book by stating that positive thinking always works.

Again, we’re provided with innumerable quotations from the Bible, e.g. “Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

All these quotations in archaic language may be quite off-putting for those who are not particularly religious, but they can be uplifting nonetheless.

Peale informs us that our mind has to be trained to think positively. And positive thinking will not work unless you believe it will. If people do not get anywhere with positive thinking, it is because their faith is diluted. “They water it down with timid little doubts.”

Another quotation from Matthew 17:20 is:

“If ye have faith --- nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Many of the success stories included in the book are contained in letters sent by the persons involved: these are very convincing.

In a chapter about how to be liked, we are told:

1) Like other people.
2) Try to bring out the best in other people.
3) Make your friends feel comfortable with themselves.
4) Be calm, poised and cheerful.
5) Be an up-beat personality (whatever that means).

We are told that problems are a sign of life. The more problems, the more we are a part of life.

To handle difficulty, get yourself as quiet, calm and composed as you can.

The author stresses the importance of using silence in meeting life’s difficult problems. Divine guidance is always spoken in a still, small voice. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). And “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15).

This is an uplifting, very readable book which explains in depth how positive thinking can transform one’s life for the absolute better. It is filled with dozens and dozens of success stories from real life. ( )

This practical and proven guide shows you how to precondition yourself for success and achieve confidence, a sense of well-being, and an inner strength that you never dreamed possible. Dr. Peale's amazing methods include
-- A unique program for eliminating your particular area of weakness
-- Confidence-building words
-- Sound, sensible ways to overcome insecurity
-- Effective guides for thinking and believing your way to health
-- Step-by-step ways to release the vast energies latent within you