Lecture by W. Clement Stone on Napoleon Hill's Philosophy

Introduction

• Speaker: W. Clement Stone, General Manager of Napoleon Hill Associates
• Subject: Introduction to Napoleon Hill's success philosophy, focusing on the concept of the "Master Key."

The Master Key

• Concept: A tool to unlock opportunities your mind can conceive.
• Composition: 17 principles, starting with "Definiteness of Purpose."
• Promise: Write down what you want most, and you will be given the master key when ready.
• Message Series: 13 messages total, each describing aspects of the master key.

Key Principle: Definiteness of Purpose

• Psychological Insight: "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve."
  • Education is not a prerequisite.
  • Example: Thomas Edison, who achieved greatness with minimal formal schooling.

Andrew Carnegie’s Influence

• Carnegie's Teaching: The power to control and direct your mind is the greatest gift.
  • This power is greater than poverty, lack of education, fears, and superstitions.
  • Your mind attracts whatever it feeds on.

Carnegie’s Universal Truth

• Control of Mind Power: Essential for success.
• Two Paths:
  • Riches: Good health, peace of mind, labor of love, freedom from fear, positive attitude, material wealth.
  • Penalties: Poor health, fear, indecision, frustration, poverty, negative emotions.

Steps to Success

1. Notebook: Record your major life goal and what you will give in return.
2. Memorization and Repetition: Repeat these statements daily.
3. Expression of Gratitude: For wisdom to use your mind’s power wisely.

Conclusion

• Prayer for Wisdom: Emphasizes wisdom over material riches.
• Upcoming Content: Next lecture to cover the second principle of success and utilizing others' education and experience.

Important Quotes

• "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve."
• Gratitude Expression: "I ask not for more riches, but more wisdom with which to make wiser use of the riches you gave at birth."