The Power of Positive Thinking

The Power of Positive Thinking is one of the most widely read and widely referenced books in Modern American History. It is so widely known that it has actually become part of the English Language. If somebody you know feels down and out and thinks that he just cannot do any thing right, what you say to him is: “Try the Power of Positive Thinking” or you might say, “Read Norman Vincent Peale.” Here is what President Bill Clinton said upon hearing of the death of Norman Vincent Peale: The name of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale will forever be associated with the wondrously American values of optimism and service. Dr. Peale was an optimist who believed that, whatever the antagonisms and complexities of modern life brought us, anyone could prevail by approaching life with a simple sense of faith. And he served us by instilling that optimism in every Christian and every other person who came in contact with his writings or his hopeful soul. In a productive and giving life that spanned the 20th century, Dr. Peale lifted the spirits of millions and millions of people who were nourished and sustained by his example, his teaching, and his giving. While the Clinton family and all Americans mourn his loss, there is some poetry in his passing on a day when the world celebrates the birth of Christ, an idea that was central to Dr. Peale’s message and Dr. Peale’s work. He will be missed.