The Power of Positive Thinking

Last updated

The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Problems of Everyday Living
The Power of Positive Thinking (Norman Vincent Peale).png
First edition cover
Author Norman Vincent Peale
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Subject Self-help
Publisher Prentice Hall
Publication date
1952
Media typePrint
OCLC 1112097081
248.4
LC Class BV4908.5

The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Problems of Everyday Living is a 1952 self-help book by American minister Norman Vincent Peale. It provides anecdotal "case histories" of positive thinking using a biblical approach, and practical instructions which were designed to help the reader achieve a permanent and optimistic attitude. These techniques usually involved affirmations and visualizations. Peale claimed that such techniques would give the reader a higher satisfaction and quality of life. The book was negatively reviewed by scholars and health experts, but was popular among the general public and has sold well. [1]

Contents

Author

Norman Vincent Peale, born in 1898 in southwestern Ohio, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and later received his bachelor's and master's degrees in sacred theology from Boston University's School of Theology. Peale then attended Syracuse University where he received a Doctor of Divinity degree. After serving 10 years as a Methodist clergyman in New York, Peale became the pastor of New York City's Marble Collegiate Church where he stayed for 53 years, until his retirement in 1984. Throughout his career as a pastor, Peale wrote over 40 books, became a sought-after motivational speaker, started weekly radio and television shows, organized the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry, and co-founded the spiritual newsletter Guideposts with his wife, Ruth Stafford Peale. [2] [3]

Publication

The Power of Positive Thinking was published in October 1952 and continues to be Peale's most widely read work. It was on the New York Times' bestsellers list for 186 weeks, 48 of which were spent in the No. 1 non-fiction spot. [4] The book sold more than 5 million copies worldwide [5] — 2.5 million from 1952 to 1956 [6] — and was eventually translated into over 40 languages. [7] Other books published by Peale around 1952 include The Art of Real Happiness, published in 1950, and Inspiring Messages for Daily Living, published in 1955. [8] The Power of Positive Thinking appeared at a time when Christian church attendance was drastically increasing, national views of spirituality, individuality, and religion were shifting, and the Cold War was a growing concern for many Americans. [6] These factors, as well as Peale's growing popularity as a motivational public figure and the book's clear prose, propelled The Power of Positive Thinking into a self-help book still popular today.

Synopsis

Peale begins by stating ten rules for “overcoming inadequacy attitudes and learning to practice faith”. [5] The rules include the following:

  1. Picture yourself succeeding.
  2. Think a positive thought to drown out a negative thought.
  3. Minimize obstacles.
  4. Do not attempt to copy others.
  5. Repeat “If God be for us, who can be against us?” ten times every day.
  6. Work with a counselor.
  7. Repeat “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” ten times every day.
  8. Develop a strong self-respect.
  9. Affirm that you are in God's hands.
  10. Believe that you receive power from God. [5]

The next chapter describes the importance of creating a peaceful mind, which can be done through inspirational reading, clearing one's mind, or visualization. Peale continues with how to obtain consistent energy, saying that “God is the source of all energy”. [5] The mind controls how the body feels; thus, letting go of negative energy and emotions will give infinite energy through God. Next, Peale speaks of the healing power of prayer, and how it will heal physical and emotional problems that arise from negative circumstances. In chapters five and six, Peale asserts that happiness is created by choice and that worrying only inhibits it and should be stopped. The next step in thinking positively is to always believe in success and not to believe in defeat because most obstacles are “mental in character”. [5] Habitual worrying is the next obstacle to overcome through emptying the mind and positive affirmations. Peale then states that asking God for help can solve one's personal problems and physically and emotionally heal them.

In chapter twelve, Peale states that letting go of anger and embracing a sense of calm can help with physical illnesses, such as eczema. [5] Next, Peale states that letting positive thoughts in can change one's outlook on life drastically and that practicing relaxation through God's help will lead to a content life. Chapter fifteen gives concrete examples on how to get others to like you, including the following: remember names, praise others generously, become a people person, and resolve problems calmly as soon as they appear. Peale then continues with how to overcome heartache through prayer, meditation, social interactions, and keeping a daily routine. The final chapter restates the importance of reaching out to a Higher Power for help in living a peaceful, positive life. Peale ends The Power of Positive Thinking with an epilogue encouraging readers to follow his techniques and live more fulfilled lives. Peale writes, “I pray for you. God will help you — so believe and live successfully.” [5]

Reception

Criticisms

Peale's work came under criticism from various mental health experts, theologians, and academics. One general criticism of Peale's book was the lack of verified sources. The Power of Positive Thinking includes many personal anecdotes that the reader has no way of validating. The book includes stories about “a business executive”, [5] “a man, an alcoholic”, [5] “a famous trapeze artist”, [5] “a friend of [Peale’s], a midwestern businessman”, [5] and other unnamed individuals which cannot be verified from the information Peale presents with each anecdote.

Similarity to hypnosis

Psychiatrist R. C. Murphy addresses another criticism of Peale's work in an article in The Nation dated May 7, 1955. He compares Peale's message in The Power of Positive Thinking to that of hypnosis, writing that "self-knowledge, in Mr. Peale's understanding, is unequivocally bad; self-hypnosis is good." [9] Murphy explains that such repeated hypnosis defeats an individual's self-motivation, sense of reality, and ability to think critically. He describes Peale's understanding of the mind as inaccurate and his description of the workings of the mind as deceptively simplistic and false. Murphy states that if man's unconscious “can be conceptualized merely as a container for a small number of psychic fragments, then ideas like 'mind-drainage' follow. So does the reliance on self-hypnosis, which is the cornerstone of Mr. Peale's philosophy.” Murphy concludes that Peale's techniques for positive thinking relate too closely to hypnosis and are inadequate for the readers’ needs for self-improvement. [9]

Albert Ellis, an influential psychologist of the 20th century and the founder of cognitive therapy, also criticized Peale's techniques for their similarities with hypnotism. He compared the techniques presented with those of the hypnotist Émile Coué and asserted that the repeated use of these hypnotic techniques could lead to significant mental health problems. Ellis stated that eventually Peale's teachings “lead to failure and disillusionment, and not only boomerang back against people, but often prejudice them against effective therapy." [10]

Effectiveness of techniques

Another criticism is that Peale's philosophy is not accomplished through his techniques presented. R. C. Murphy writes that Peale's teachings “endorse the cruelties which men commit against each other” which encourages readers to “give up [their] strivings and feel free to hate as much as [they] like”. Murphy argues that by teaching others to destroy all negativity, Peale is, in fact, fostering negativity and aggression. [9] Harvard scholar Donald Meyer presents a similar criticism in his article "Confidence Man" written in 1955. Meyer writes that The Power of Positive Thinking provides partial awareness to the limitations of the readers, but does not supply the necessary self-confidence to overcome those limitations. He proceeds to compare Peale to a con man saying that the problem with Peale lies in the “paltriness of the confidence he preached. He did not really try to fool you into thinking you could do much, or be much, or live much. He did not make you aware of greater heights any more than of greater abysses.” [11]

Psychologist Martin Seligman, former APA president and founder of positive psychology, also condemned Peale's methods in his book, Authentic Happiness. He writes that, “positive thinking often involves trying to believe upbeat statements such as 'Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better,' in the absence of evidence, or even in the face of contrary evidence.” [12] Seligman continues his critique saying, “if you can manage the feat of actually believing these sorts of statements, more power to you. Many educated people, trained in skeptical thinking, cannot manage this kind of boosterism.” [12]

Similarly, Donald Meyer, in his book The Positive Thinkers, critiques the effectiveness of Peale's techniques saying that Peale always “reacted to the image of harshness with flight rather than competitive fight.” [13] Meyer later quotes Peale as saying, “No man, however resourceful or pugnacious, is a match for so great an adversary as a hostile world. He is at best a puny and impotent creature quite at the mercy of the cosmic and social forces in the midst of which he dwells." [13] Meyer argues that positive thinking is disempowering to the individual; for, Peale presents individuals as weak compared to the “hostile world” with only the help of his techniques to overcome negative circumstances. In addition, Meyer also questions the effectiveness of Peale's positive thinking techniques in the antagonistic environment Peale presents.

Theological critique

Episcopal theologian John M. Krumm criticized Peale's teachings for their basis in religion, defining his teachings as heretical. Krumm writes that "the emphasis upon techniques such as the repetition of confident phrases” or “the manipulation of certain mechanical devices” gives “the impression of a thoroughly depersonalized religion. Very little is said about the sovereign mind and purpose of God; much is made of the things men can say to themselves and can do to bring about their ambitions and purposes." [14] Krumm argues that Peale does not have the backing of religion to support his techniques. Krumm continues with a warning: "The predominant use of impersonal symbols for God is a serious and dangerous invitation to regard man as the center of reality and the Divine Reality as an impersonal power, the use and purpose of which is determined by the man who takes hold of it and employs it as he thinks best.” [14]

Edmund Fuller, book review editor of the Episcopal Churchnews, warned against following Peale's teachings in an article titled “Pitchmen in the Pulpit” from March 1957. Fuller cautions readers not to believe Peale just because he was a minister. He writes that Peale's books have no connection to Christianity and that they “influence, mislead and often disillusion sick, maladjusted, unhappy or ill-constructed people, obscuring for them the Christian realities. They offer easy comforts, easy solutions to problems and mysteries that sometimes perhaps, have no comforts or solutions at all, in glib, worldly terms. They offer a cheap 'happiness' in lieu of the joy Christianity can offer.” [15]

Positive reviews

While contemporary theologians and mental health experts criticized Peale's teachings in The Power of Positive Thinking, the general public praised the self-help book. The Los Angeles Times estimates that “legions of followers testified that Peale’s message changed their lives for the better and represented the best combination of faith and pragmatism.” [7] This is evidenced by the popularity of Peale's book, which sold more than 5 million copies worldwide and was eventually translated into over 40 languages. [7] In addition, Peale was close friends with American presidents Eisenhower and Nixon, both of whom highly regarded his positive thinking teachings. [2] Countless others accredited The Power of Positive Thinking for their success in overcoming obstacles including George Foster, of the Cincinnati Reds, [16] Rev. Robert Schuller, founder and pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, [7] and Billy Graham, a prominent Southern Baptist Minister. [6]

1964 cartoon by Virgil Partch referencing The Power of Positive Thinking Golf cartoon by Virgil Partch referencing The Power of Positive Thinking.jpg
1964 cartoon by Virgil Partch referencing The Power of Positive Thinking

Former U.S. president Donald Trump has called Peale "his pastor" and "one of the greatest speakers" he had ever seen. [17] According to Donald's niece and author Mary L. Trump, Donald Trump's father, Fred, became interested in Peale's message in the 1950s. [18] Fred and his wife, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, traveled to the Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan with their children to hear Peale's sermons. Donald Trump grew up hearing Peale's teachings from his parents, and Peale officiated his first wedding. [19] Trump credits his survival in 1990 after being almost a billion dollars in debt to Peale's positive thinking teachings. [17]

The book is referenced in the 2020 DC Comics Wonder Woman sequel film, Wonder Woman 1984 , the villain of which is a self-help-touting entrepreneur. [20]

A Texas woman named Helen Hadsell read the book in 1959 and credited the book with much of her success in winning contests. [21] After reading the book she began entering and winning contests. She has stated from that point on she won every contest she ever entered. [22] [23]

See also

Related Research Articles

Self-hypnosis or auto-hypnosis is a form, a process, or the result of a self-induced hypnotic state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norman Vincent Peale</span> American minister, author, and positive thinking proponent

Norman Vincent Peale was an American Protestant clergyman, and an author best known for popularizing the concept of positive thinking, especially through his best-selling book The Power of Positive Thinking (1952). He served as the pastor of Marble Collegiate Church, New York, from 1932, leading this Reformed Church in America congregation for more than a half century until his retirement in 1984. Alongside his pulpit ministry, he had an extensive career of writing and editing, and radio and television presentations. Despite arguing at times against involvement of clergy in politics, he nevertheless had some controversial affiliations with politically active organizations in the late 1930s, and engaged with national political candidates and their campaigns, having influence on some, including a personal friendship with President Richard Nixon.

Reality tunnel is a theory that, with a subconscious set of mental filters formed from beliefs and experiences, every individual interprets the same world differently, hence "Truth is in the eye of the beholder". It is similar to the idea of representative realism, and was coined by Timothy Leary (1920–1996). It was further expanded on by Robert Anton Wilson (1932-2007), who wrote about the idea extensively in his 1983 book Prometheus Rising.

Word of Faith is a movement within charismatic Christianity which teaches that those who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection have the right to physical health, that words have power, and that true faith is more than simply mental knowledge, but is deeply held belief that cannot be shaken. The movement was founded by the American Kenneth Hagin in the 1960s, and has its roots in the teachings of E. W. Kenyon.

The core of Prem Rawat's teaching is that the individual’s need for fulfillment can be satisfied by turning within to contact a constant source of peace and joy. Rather than a body of dogma, he emphasizes a direct experience of transcendence, which he claims is accessible through the four techniques of meditation which he teaches. He calls these techniques "Knowledge" and says that Knowledge will take "all your senses that have been going outside all your life, turn them around and put them inside to feel and to actually experience you."

In psychology, the subconscious is the part of the mind that is not currently of focal awareness.

Positive thinking or Positive Thinking may refer to:

Prosperity theology is a religious belief among some Charismatic Christians that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth. Material and especially financial success is seen as a sign of divine favor.

The Teachings of Silvanus is the fourth tractate in Codex VII of the Nag Hammadi library. The Coptic translation dates to c. 350 AD, but the original Greek version was likely written near Alexandria between c. 200 and the early 300s AD. The text is pseudepigrapha attributed to Silas (Silvanus), a companion of Paul in Acts of the Apostles. Scholars typically consider it not Gnostic, but J. L. Sumney argues that it is a Gnostic work. It is a rare example of an early Christian Wisdom text and was used in monastic circles. The content of the text encourages the reader to seek wisdom and knowledge, embrace Christ as the King and Teacher, and to cast out any negative influences. God and Christ are described as divine, with Christ being an emanation of God's power, wisdom, and life. The text instructs the reader to fear God, glorify Him through good works, and be pure.

<i>Psycho-Cybernetics</i> 1960 self-help book by Maxwell Maltz

Psycho-Cybernetics is a self-help book written by American writer Maxwell Maltz in 1960. Motivational and self-help experts in personal development, including Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy have based their techniques on Maxwell Maltz. Many of the psychological methods of training elite athletes are based on the concepts in Psycho-Cybernetics as well. The book combines the cognitive behavioral technique of teaching an individual how to regulate self-concept, using theories developed by Prescott Lecky, with the cybernetics of Norbert Wiener and John von Neumann. The book defines the mind-body connection as the core in succeeding in attaining personal goals.

The law of attraction is the New Thought spiritual belief that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life. The belief is based on the idea that people and their thoughts are made from "pure energy" and that like energy can attract like energy, thereby allowing people to improve their health, wealth, or personal relationships. There is no empirical scientific evidence supporting the law of attraction, and it is widely considered to be pseudoscience or religion couched in scientific language. This belief has alternative names that have varied in popularity over time, including manifestation and lucky girl syndrome.

<i>Im Dysfunctional, Youre Dysfunctional</i>

I'm Dysfunctional, You're Dysfunctional: The Recovery Movement and Other Self-Help Fashions is a non-fiction book about the self-help industry, written by Wendy Kaminer. The book was first published in a hardcover format in 1992 by Addison-Wesley, and again in a paperback format in 1993, by Vintage Books.

Affirmative prayer is a form of prayer or a metaphysical technique that is focused on a positive outcome rather than a negative situation. For instance, a person who is experiencing some form of illness would focus the prayer on the desired state of perfect health and affirm this desired intention "as if already happened" rather than identifying the illness and then asking God for help to eliminate it.

<i>The Secret</i> (Byrne book) 2006 book by Rhonda Byrne

The Secret is a 2006 self-help book by Rhonda Byrne, based on the earlier film of the same name. It is based on the belief of the pseudoscientific law of attraction, which claims that thought alone can influence objective circumstances within ones life. The book alleges energy as assurance of its effectiveness. The book has sold 30 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 50 languages. Scientific claims made in the book have been rejected by a range of critics, pointing out that the book has no scientific foundation.

<i>Trump: The Art of the Deal</i> Book by Donald Trump and Tony Schwartz

Trump: The Art of the Deal is a 1987 book credited to Donald J. Trump and journalist Tony Schwartz. Part memoir and part business-advice book, it was the first book credited to Trump, and helped to make him a household name. It reached number 1 on The New York Times Best Seller list, stayed there for 13 weeks, and altogether held a position on the list for 48 weeks. Trump cited it as one of his proudest accomplishments and his second-favorite book after the Bible.

<i>The Death of God</i> 1961 book by Gabriel Vahanian

The Death of God is a 1961 book by Gabriel Vahanian, a part of the discussion of death of God theology during the period.

<i>Trump 101</i> 2006 book by Donald Trump and Meredith McIver

Trump 101: The Way to Success is a book credited to Donald Trump and written by ghostwriter Meredith McIver. The first edition was published in hardcover format by Wiley in 2006. The book contains twenty-four chapters imparting advice on business acumen with quotations included from Trump. The authors caution the reader about the inherent risks seen in business deals, and advise individuals to promptly deal with conflicts. Trump recommends other books including The Art of War and The Power of Positive Thinking, as well as his company Trump University.

<i>The Faith of Donald J. Trump</i> 2018 book by David Brody and Scott Lamb

The Faith of Donald J. Trump: A Spiritual Biography is a 2018 non-fiction book co-authored by David Brody and Scott Lamb about the religious faith of U.S. President Donald Trump. Shortly after its release, Trump tweeted that it was a "very interesting read."

Ellen Tabitha Charry is an American theologian and author who is the Margaret W. Harmon Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary.

References

  1. ↑ "Navigating Teenage Turbulence: A Roadmap with Sean Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens". Bru Times News.
  2. 1 2 Barnes, Bart (December 26, 1993). "THE REV. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE, 'POSITIVE THINKING' AUTHOR, DIES". Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  3. ↑ Reports, Wire (February 8, 2008). "Pastor's wife co-founded Guideposts". Los Angeles Times. ISSN   0458-3035 . Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  4. ↑ Alexander, Ron (May 31, 1994). "CHRONICLE". The New York Times. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Peale, Norman Vincent (March 12, 2003). The Power of Positive Thinking . Touchstone. ISBN   9780743234801.
  6. 1 2 3 A., Cosby, James (May 23, 2016). Devil's music, holy rollers and hillbillies : how America gave birth to rock and roll. Jefferson, North Carolina. p. 26. ISBN   9781476662299. OCLC   934885191.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. 1 2 3 4 CHANDLER, RUSSELL (December 26, 1993). "Norman Vincent Peale, 'Minister to Millions,' Dies : Religion: Mixing faith and psychology, author of 'The Power of Positive Thinking' spread inspiration worldwide". Los Angeles Times. ISSN   0458-3035 . Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Norman Vincent Peale Books - Biography and List of Works - Author of 'A Guide To Confident Living'". www.biblio.com. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  9. 1 2 3 Murphy, R. C. "Reverend Peale's Panacea". Nation. Vol. 180. pp. 398–400.
  10. ↑ Ellis, Albert (1985). Overcoming resistance : rational-emotive therapy with difficult clients . New York: Springer Pub. Co. pp.  147. ISBN   9780826149107. OCLC   11814057.
  11. ↑ Meyer, Donald. "The Confidence Man". New Republic. Vol. 133. pp. 8–10 – via EBSCO.
  12. 1 2 Seligman, Martin E. (October 2, 2002). Authentic happiness : using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment (First Free Press trade paperback ed.). New York. p. 96. ISBN   9780743247887. OCLC   893679602.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  13. 1 2 Meyer, Donald (1980). The positive thinkers : religion as pop psychology, from Mary Baker Eddy to Oral Roberts (1st Pantheon ed.). New York: Pantheon Books. pp.  261. ISBN   9780307828231. OCLC   569523574.
  14. 1 2 Krumm, John M. (1961). Modern Heresies. Seabury Press. p. 35.
  15. ↑ Fuller, Edmund. "Pitchmen in the Pulpit". The Saturday Review: 28–29.
  16. ↑ Bonventre, Peter (October 1977). "The Hypnotic Hitter". Newsweek.
  17. 1 2 Blair, Gwenda (October 6, 2015). "How Norman Vincent Peale Taught Donald Trump to Worship Himself". Politico Magazine . Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  18. ↑ Trump, Mary L. (2020). Too Much and Never Enough. New York: Simon & Schuster. p. 37. ISBN   978-1-9821-4146-2. OCLC   1164093746.
  19. ↑ Keith, Tamara (January 22, 2017). "Trump Crowd Size Estimate May Involve 'The Power Of Positive Thinking'". NPR. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  20. ↑ "' Wonder Woman 1984': A Superhero Takes on Greed, Misogyny, Shoulder Pads". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  21. ↑ May, Helen (April 30, 1973). "'Dreams Come True" Psychic Insists". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  22. ↑ Westbrook, Nancy Ann (February 5, 1974). "She Makes Winning Look Easy". The Times Herald. p. 8. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Positive Thinker to Hold Workshops". McAllen Monitor. March 10, 1976. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.