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Writer's pictureBen Z

5 Classic Self-Help Books

Updated: Feb 13, 2023

1- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill


“Think and Grow Rich” is a self-help book by Napoleon Hill and was first published in 1937. The book teaches the reader how to think positively and overcome obstacles to achieve success and wealth.


The book is based on the idea that one’s mindset is the key to success and that by changing one’s thoughts, one can change their circumstances. Hill presents a 13-step process that he claims will lead to riches if followed diligently.


The first step is to have a definite purpose or goal in mind. The second step is to develop a plan to achieve that goal. The third step is to develop a positive attitude and belief in oneself. The fourth step is to develop self-discipline and persistence in pursuing the goal. The fifth step is to develop a system of personal initiative to turn the plan into action.


Other steps include:

  • Learning from failure.

  • Surrounding oneself with successful people.

  • Building a team.

  • Developing a positive mental attitude.

Hill also emphasizes the importance of creativity, imagination, and visualization in achieving success.


Throughout the book, Hill shares stories and lessons from successful people of his time, such as Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford, to illustrate his points. He also includes exercises and tasks for the reader to complete to put his principles into practice.


“Think and Grow Rich” is considered a classic in the self-help genre and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It is still widely read and recommended today as a guide to achieving wealth and success through positive thinking and perseverance.


2- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephan Covey


“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey is a self-help book that lays out seven habits that can help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives. The habits are as follows:

  1. Be proactive: Take responsibility for your actions and decisions.

  2. Begin with the end in mind: Clearly define your goals and objectives.

  3. Put first things first: Prioritize essential tasks and activities.

  4. Think win-win: Seek mutually beneficial solutions in relationships and interactions.

  5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood: Listen actively and communicate effectively.

  6. Synergize: Work well with others to achieve more than you could alone.

  7. Sharpen the saw: Continuously improve your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The book encourages readers to adopt these habits to become more effective, successful, and fulfilled in their lives.


3- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie


“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie is a classic self-help book that teaches readers how to build relationships and influence others. The book is divided into four sections: Fundamentals, Six Ways to Make People Like You, How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment.


The main ideas of the book include the following:

  1. Be genuinely interested in others and show it through active listening and empathy.

  2. Avoid criticism and focus on praising others.

  3. Use people's names when speaking to them.

  4. Make the other person feel important and appreciated.

  5. Use positive language and avoid negative words and phrases.

  6. Appeal to people's emotions and self-interest.

  7. Use storytelling and examples to get your point across.

  8. Avoid trying to win an argument and aim to understand the other person's point of view.

The book aims to help readers improve their relationships and communication skills, ultimately becoming more effective in their personal and professional lives.


4- The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale


“The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale is a self-help book that teaches the power of positive thinking to achieve success and happiness. The main ideas of the book are that:

  1. Your thoughts shape your reality. Positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes, while negative thoughts lead to negative outcomes.

  2. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Self-doubt and fear of failure can hold you back.

  3. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Learn to reframe negative thoughts and look for the good in every situation.

  4. Practice gratitude and focus on the things you are thankful for.

  5. Visualize and affirm your desires. See yourself achieving your goals and speak positively about them.

  6. Let go of resentment and bitterness. Holding on to negative feelings towards others can hinder your progress.

  7. Practice relaxation and meditation to reduce stress and increase inner peace.

  8. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who support and encourage you.

The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and mindset to overcome obstacles and achieve success in all areas of life.


5- The Art of War by Sun Tzu


"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu is a classic Chinese military treatise dating back to the 5th century BC. It is considered a seminal work on strategy and tactics and is still widely studied and applied in military, business, and political contexts. The book is divided into 13 chapters, each covering a different aspect of warfare.


The main ideas of the book include:

  1. Know yourself and your enemy: Understand your strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your opponent, to gain an advantage.

  2. Use strategy and tactics: Rather than relying on brute force, use cunning and planning to outsmart your opponent.

  3. Use spies and intelligence: Gather information on your opponent's plans and movements to stay one step ahead.

  4. Be flexible and adaptable: Be ready to change tactics and strategies as the situation changes.

  5. Use the element of surprise: Catch your opponent off guard by using unexpected tactics or maneuvers.

  6. Use the terrain to your advantage: Use the landscape and natural features to gain an advantage in battle.

  7. Focus on the enemy's center of gravity: Identify and target the enemy's critical vulnerabilities to achieve victory.

  8. Seek to win without fighting: Use diplomatic and psychological means to achieve victory without resorting to violence.

The book is not only about warfare but also about strategy and leadership. It's a timeless classic that can be applied to many aspects of life.

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