4 The Power of Positive Thinking
Preface
At the time I wrote this book it never occurred to me that
more than two million copies would be sold in various hardcover
editions and that it would one day attract a vast new readership
through a paperback edition such as this. Frankly, however, my
gratitude for this event is not from the viewpoint of books sold,
but in terms of the many persons to whom I have been privileged
to suggest a simple, workable philosophy of living.
The dynamic laws which the book teaches were learned the
hard way by trial and error in my personal search for a way of life.
But I found in them an answer to my own problems and, believe
me, I am the most difficult person with whom I have worked. The
book is my effort to share my spiritual experience, for if it helped
me, I felt it might also be of help to others.
In formulating this simple philosophy of life I found my own
answers in the teachings of Jesus Christ. I have merely tried to
describe those truths in the language and thought forms
understandable to present day people. The way of life to which
this book is a witness is very wonderful. It is not easy. Indeed, it
often is hard, but it is full of joy and hope and victory.
I well recall the day I sat down to begin writing the book. I
knew that the best work required more ability than I possessed
and therefore I needed help that only God could give. My wife
and I have the policy of taking God into working partnership in
all our problems and activities. So we had a very earnest session
of prayer, asking for guidance, and we put the project into God’s
hands. When the manuscript was ready for the publisher Mrs.
Peale and I again prayed, dedicating the manuscript. We asked
only that it might help people to live more effective lives. When
the first book of these two million copies came from the press to
us it was again a spiritual moment. We thanked God for His help
and dedicated the book once more.