Outwitting the Devil Book Summary - Outwitting the Devil Book explained in key points
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Outwitting the Devil summary

The Secret to Freedom and Success

4.3 (444 ratings)
10 mins

Brief summary

Outwitting The Devil by Napoleon Hill is a self-help classic that reveals the secrets to overcoming fears and negative influences to achieve personal success.
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    Outwitting the Devil
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    Being led by fear rather than faith is a primary cause of failure.

    Is there a dream you’ve held onto for years but have been afraid to pursue? There probably is, since, in the author’s estimation, 98 percent of us are letting our minds be controlled by fear. As a result, we tend to drift through life without thinking for ourselves or following our own desires.

    The fear that causes us to drift is instilled early on. First, there are the churches that teach children to beware of the insidious “Devil.” Then there are the schools that offer very little preparation for children to be individuals in the real world, and focus instead on having students memorize endless facts and figures.

    The author, Napoleon Hill, learned firsthand about this overwhelming fear and lack of individuality while working toward his life goal: creating the first philosophy of individual achievement.

    For years, he’d interviewed people about their successes and failures, but his notes were starting to become aimless, and they certainly didn’t add up to a concrete philosophy. He was stuck and his mind was fogged with fear and indecision.

    Then, one day, he had an epiphany. While out walking and taking in some much-needed fresh air, he was suddenly confronted by a voice that felt like his “other self” talking to him. The voice was commanding, and it told Hill that he could finish his manuscript on the philosophy of individual achievement; all he had to do was stop giving in to fear and doubt.

    Hill came to believe that this voice represented something we all possess. He calls it Infinite Intelligence – an abundance of faith and positive energy that we can always tap into as long as we keep doubt, fear and worry from our mind.

    Thanks to this voice, Hill was able to push his fear aside, put in the necessary work and finish his book. As a result, Hill became the first great writer of the self-help genre, and his work continues to be read worldwide.

    In other words, Hill became a non-drifter, which is someone who knows that the key to success is becoming the master of your own mind.

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    What is Outwitting the Devil about?

    Originally written in 1938, Napoleon Hill’s Outwitting the Devil (2011) remained an unpublished manuscript for over seventy years. Edited and annotated by Sharon Lechter, who contextualizes the content for contemporary readers, Hill’s book is a compendium of advice on how to succeed in life. Readers now have full access to Hill’s personal beliefs on the forces that are holding us back from leading a successful life and the principles that will enable us to overcome those forces.

    Outwitting the Devil Review

    Outwitting The Devil (1938) unveils the hidden barriers holding people back from reaching their goals. Here's what makes it stand out:

    • It offers a unique perspective on overcoming the devilish forces that hinder success.
    • The book's timeless wisdom remains relevant and applicable in today's world.
    • Its thought-provoking content encourages self-reflection and personal growth.

    Unlock your potential and conquer your fears by reading Outwitting The Devil.

    Who should read Outwitting the Devil?

    • Entrepreneurs looking for the secret to success
    • Anyone who wishes to conquer their fears
    • Readers interested in the lasting wisdom of a 70-year-old self-help book

    About the Author

    Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) was an American entrepreneur and author. Among the first to popularize the modern self-help genre, he is most famous for Think and Grow Rich (1937), the product of over 20 years of research and ranks among the top ten best-selling self-help books of all time.

    Sharon Lechter is an American businesswoman and leader dedicated to improving the financial education of teens and young adults. She’s a spokesperson for the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission; the founder of the financial education organization, Pay Your Family First; and a creator of Thrive Time for Teens, an award-winning financial board game.

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    Outwitting the Devil FAQs 

    What is the main message of Outwitting The Devil?

    The main message of Outwitting The Devil is to overcome fears and negative influences to achieve success.

    How long does it take to read Outwitting The Devil?

    It takes approximately 6 hours to read Outwitting The Devil. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is Outwitting The Devil a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Outwitting The Devil is a valuable read for those seeking to conquer fears and achieve personal success.

    Who is the author of Outwitting The Devil?

    The author of Outwitting The Devil is Napoleon Hill.

    How many chapters are in Outwitting The Devil?

    There are 10 chapters in Outwitting The Devil by Napoleon Hill

    1. My First Meeting with Andrew Carnegie
    2. A New World Is Revealed to Me
    3. A Strange Interview with the Devil
    4. Drifting with the Devil
    5. The Confession Continues
    6. Hypnotic Rhythm
    7. Seeds of Fear
    8. Definiteness of Purpose
    9. The Time to Master Fear, and
    10. The Reward of Mastery.

    How many pages are in Outwitting The Devil?

    There are 288 pages in Outwitting The Devil.

    When was Outwitting The Devil published?

    Outwitting The Devil was published in 1938.

    What to read after Outwitting the Devil?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Outwitting the Devil, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Napoleon Hill’s Golden Rules by Napoleon Hill
    • Pathways to Peace of Mind by Napoleon Hill
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
    • The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill
    • I Know What to Do So Why Don't I Do It? by Nick Hall
    • Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
    • Psychological Types by Carl Jung
    • The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and comments by Jason Zweig
    • The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway
    • Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday