Napoleon Hill author photo

Napoleon Hill

Born: October 26, 1883 – Wise County, Virginia, United States

Napoleon Hill was an American author renowned for pioneering the self-help and personal success genre, most notably through his 1937 bestseller Think and Grow Rich, which has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. His teachings on achievement, positive mental attitude, and personal development have profoundly influenced motivational literature and continue to shape success philosophies globally.

Biography & Author's Journey

Napoleon Hill, born in 1883 in Wise County, Virginia, emerged from modest beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in the self-help and personal success movement. His early life was marked by hardship, including the loss of his mother at age nine and a challenging rural upbringing. Hill began his writing career at just thirteen, working as a “mountain reporter” for local newspapers. Despite sporadic formal education and periods of financial hardship, he attended business school and briefly studied law before entering a series of business ventures, many of which proved unsuccessful but fueled his eventual interest in understanding the principles behind personal achievement and resilience.

Show More

Quotes

quote
The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
If you can't do great things, do small things in a great way
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
A goal is a dream with a deadline
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
Every adversity, every failure, every heartbreak, carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting
-Think and Grow Rich
quote
A quitter never wins and a winner never quits
-Think and Grow Rich

Popular Books

Discover more

Master Think and Grow Rich teachings

Master Think and Grow Rich teachings

LEARNING PLAN

Master Think and Grow Rich teachings

This plan bridges the gap between historical success philosophy and modern financial execution, making it essential for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. It is designed for anyone seeking to master their mental discipline and implement a proven system for wealth accumulation.

1 h 43 m4 Sections
Mind, Habits & Philosophy for Self-Growth

Mind, Habits & Philosophy for Self-Growth

LEARNING PLAN

Mind, Habits & Philosophy for Self-Growth

This plan bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience to provide a comprehensive framework for personal evolution. It is ideal for high-achievers and seekers who want to master their internal psychology and build the disciplined habits necessary for long-term success.

2 h 42 m4 Sections
Mind, Habits & Growth: A Holistic Guide

Mind, Habits & Growth: A Holistic Guide

LEARNING PLAN

Mind, Habits & Growth: A Holistic Guide

This guide bridges the gap between neuroscience and practical self-improvement for anyone seeking a data-driven approach to change. It is ideal for high-performers and individuals looking to master their habits and rewire their cognitive patterns for long-term success.

2 h 42 m4 Sections
Self-Improvement, Finance & Biographies

Self-Improvement, Finance & Biographies

LEARNING PLAN

Self-Improvement, Finance & Biographies

This plan is essential for individuals seeking to bridge the gap between personal growth and financial success. It is designed for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs who want to learn from history's most successful figures while building their own foundations for wealth.

2 h 33 m4 Sections
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Summary: Keys to Personal Success
BLOG

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Summary: Keys to Personal Success

Unlock the core habits of success with this summary of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People—timeless lessons to lead, grow, and thrive in 2025.

BeFreed Team

Self help

Self help

LEARNING PLAN

Self help

Personal growth requires both internal self-awareness and practical action steps to create lasting change. This learning plan provides a comprehensive framework for anyone seeking to improve their mindset, habits, relationships, and emotional resilience.

2 h 12 m4 Sections
Grow Mindset, Skills, Wealth & Confidence

Grow Mindset, Skills, Wealth & Confidence

LEARNING PLAN

Grow Mindset, Skills, Wealth & Confidence

This plan is designed for ambitious individuals seeking to break through mental plateaus and financial ceilings. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for anyone wanting to combine high-performance learning with wealth-building strategies and deep self-confidence.

2 h 39 m4 Sections
Growth, Pleasure, Wealth & Leadership Skills

Growth, Pleasure, Wealth & Leadership Skills

LEARNING PLAN

Growth, Pleasure, Wealth & Leadership Skills

This comprehensive plan bridges the gap between financial success, personal psychology, and effective leadership. It is ideal for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to build wealth while maintaining a deep sense of personal joy and purpose.

3 h 22 m4 Sections

Community Voices

"Napoleon Hill is best known for writing the classic self-help book 'Think and Grow Rich,' which has influenced millions worldwide"

Wikipedia

"Napoleon Hill laid the foundation for modern motivational literature with his emphasis on positive thinking and goal setting"

Sound Wisdom

"Napoleon Hill's most famous credo, 'Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,' has become a mantra for personal development"

A-Z Quotes

"Napoleon Hill's motivational philosophies have made him one of the most influential authors in the personal-success genre"

Entrepreneur

"Napoleon Hill's work has inspired countless entrepreneurs and is considered a cornerstone of 20th-century self-improvement literature"

ThriftBooks

"Napoleon Hill's timeless principles in 'Think and Grow Rich' continue to impact readers seeking financial independence"

Audible

"Napoleon Hill’s books, especially 'Think and Grow Rich', remain popular resources for those pursuing personal and financial success"

Goodreads

"Napoleon Hill wrote that 'the starting point of all achievement is desire,' a principle cited in business and self-help circles"

Stiftung Entrepreneurship

"Napoleon Hill has been praised for distilling the secrets of America's wealthiest individuals into practical guidance for all"

James Whittaker

FAQs about this page

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
1.5K Ratings4.7
Start your learning journey, now