Andy Wibbels

Norman Vincent Peale’s Rejected Manuscript

In the middle of reading Jonathan Black’s Yes You Can: Behind the Hype and Hustle of the Motivation Biz and my favorite nugget so far:

Dejected, he threw the manuscript into the garbage and ordered his wife to leave it there. She did – and carried the wastebasket to yet another publisher, who had it printed – but not before the wily editor changed the words “power of faith” to “power of positive thinking” every time they appeared. The Power of Positive Thinking went on to sell 20 million copies. (p39)

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2 responses to “Norman Vincent Peale’s Rejected Manuscript”

  1. Jayme Avatar
    Jayme

    Wow! This is an amazing fact. Norman Vincent Peale’s Power of Positive Thinking was the first motivational book I’ve read that really made a huge impact in who I am today.
    Thank God for his persevering wife, who at that moment, had more faith in him than he had in himself. We can never really tell how one seemingly small act can make such a big difference in other people’s lives.
    Thanks for posting this. Today, you certainly made a difference in mine.

    Reply
  2. Isaura Mashiko Avatar
    Isaura Mashiko

    I can’t believe it! That small booklet is so inspiring and I can say that change my life and believes for a positive. I will always bless Norman.
    Thanks God his wife is also so wonderful!

    Reply

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