WHY WE LOVE IT:

Originally published in 1959, David J. Schwartz’s The Magic of Thinking Big feels a bit like a time capsule in many ways. The author expresses dated views on men and women in the workplace, as well as language that doesn’t reflect modern understanding of business etiquette and operations. However, as one of the foundational books that have shaped the last six decades of the self-help industry, it still has a lot to offer modern readers.

The author, Dr. David J. Schwartz, asks the reader to think of success in all things, rather than failure. It demonstrates how to respond positively to the hurdles in their lives, and to approach problems by finding solutions instead of obstacles. For example – you can’t move mountains, but you can climb them. It is more productive to trust in your ability to overcome it and start climbing, rather than to stay in one place, treating the mountain as an immovable obstacle.

The book does not set out tasks, tests, or affirmations for the reader, as so many contemporary books do. Instead, the book offers dozens of common challenges humans face and asks the reader to “think BIG” and face challenges head-on. The Magic of Thinking Big asks you to abandon your self-imposed inferiority complex, your imposter syndrome, your self-fulfilling negative prophecies, and envision success. It’s a reminder we could all use, sometimes.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.” – David J. Schwartz

“Look at things not as they are, but as they can be. Visualization adds value to everything. A big thinker always visualizes what can be done in the future. He isn’t stuck with the present.” – David J. Schwartz

“The thinking that guides your intelligence is much more important than how much intelligence you have.” – David J. Schwartz

BOOK JACKET SUMMARY:

Millions of people throughout the world have improved their lives using The Magic of Thinking Big. Dr. David J. Schwartz, long regarded as one of the foremost experts on motivation, will help you sell better, manage better, earn more money, and—most important of all—find greater happiness and peace of mind. The Magic of Thinking Big gives you useful methods, not empty promises. Dr. Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community. He proves that you don’t need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction—but you do need to learn and understand the habit of thinking and behaving in ways that will get you there. This book gives you those secrets!