Russell Conwell

The original inspiration for his most famous essay, "Acres of Diamonds", occurred in 1869 when Conwell was traveling in the Middle East. The central idea of the work is that one need not look elsewhere for opportunity, achievement, or fortune-the resources to achieve all good things are present in one's own community. This theme is developed by an introductory anecdote, credited by Conwell to an Arab guide, about a man who wanted to find diamonds so badly that he sold his property and went off in futile search for them. The new owner of his home discovered that a rich diamond mine was located right there on the property. Conwell elaborates on the theme through examples of success, genius, service, or other virtues involving ordinary Americans contemporary to his audience: "dig in your own backyard ". The book has been regarded as a classic of New Thought literature since the 1870s. Russell Conwell (1843-1925) was an American Baptist minister, orator, philanthropist, lawyer, and writer. He is best remembered as the founder and first president of Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the Pastor of The Baptist Temple, and for his inspirational lecture, Acres of Diamonds. Table of Contents: - Acres of Diamonds: Our Every-day Opportunities - The Key to Success - Increasing Personal Efficiency - Every Man His Own University - What You Can Do With Your Will Power - Health, Healing, and Faith - Praying for Money - Subconscious Religion - Why Lincoln Laughed

American Baptist minister and lawyer, Russell Conwell was the founder and first President of Temple University who is probably best remembered for his inspirational speech "Acres of Diamonds," in which he puts forth the idea that one need not look elsewhere for opportunity, but rather all the resources for achieving success exist in one's own backyard. This idea is exemplified in the parable of a man who sells his farm and abandons his family in search of diamonds. His journey takes him far and wide but without success and ultimately defeated by his failure flings himself into the ocean. Later it is discovered that the farm he has sold has a wealth of diamonds below its soil. Additionally in this lecture Conwell asserts his belief that it is not impious to be wealthy for it is not money which is the root of all evil but the love of money above all else. Contained in this little volume is that inspirational speech, "Acres of Diamonds," along with a short biography of Conwell by Robert Shackleton, and an autobiographical essay on his life as an orator by Conwell himself. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

A classic in the self-improvement genre. Why does one person succeed while another fails in the same endeavor? While taking a trip down the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Russell Conwell's guide (who was found of telling stories) told him the tale of Ali Hafed who left his farm and family in search of wealth and died alone and in poverty years later. The man who purchased his farm after his death found the world's richest diamond mine there. Conwell goes on to tell the stories of several people in America who suffered similar fates, as well as success stories of those who found advantages in their circumstances instead of excuses. Sure to inspire some soul-searching, "Acres of Diamonds" just may help you discover the treasure in your own backyard.

A new edition of the classic inspirational speech