Using his legendary ability to get to the root of human potential, Napoleon Hill digs deep to reveal how fear, procrastination, anger, and jealousy prevent us from realizing our personal goals.
This long-suppressed parable, once considered too controversial to publish, was written by Hill in 1938 following the publication of his classic bestseller, Think and Grow Rich.
Annotated and edited for a contemporary audience by Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Three Feet from Gold co-author Sharon Lechter, this book – now available in paperback – is profound, powerful, resonant, and rich with insight.
Why is Outwitting the Devil so Controversial?
What is it about Napoleon Hill’s writing that at times seems to be considered too controversial? Why was Outwitting the Devil kept a secret for so long?
Author Napoleon Hill originally drafted Outwitting the Devil in 1938 after publishing his well known Think and Grow Rich, but his manuscript was kept a secret for decades.
In Outwitting the Devil, Napoleon Hill reveals the seven principles of freedom and introduces the reader to the concepts in his book through a playful interview with the devil.
Much of the controversy in Napoleon Hill’s book stems from his challenging societal, educational, and religious views. Calling most people blind sheep and challenging people’s spiritual faith? Not popular.
Blatantly challenging the Church and Education System?
Sharing the definiteness of purpose, the secret to freedom and success, and the power of hypnotic rhythm? That all sounds good, until you realize that your faith, beliefs about the devil, and the perspective of your friends and family may all be challenged.
Much like in the all time bestseller Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill digs deep in this parable on how to challenge negative thoughts and conquer fears. Hill reveals more than just how to grow rich, but how to achieve true personal success and lead a successful life. Hill’s teachings from this book early in his writing career are as true today as they were when he first penned them.
How Outwitting the Devil (OTD) came to be Published
After Napoleon Hill passed away in 1970, his manuscript was passed on to his wife, Annie Lou, who kept it hidden away until she passed in 1984. Following Hill’s death – and then her death – the manuscript passed on to their nephew, Dr. Charles Johnson, president of the Napoleon Hill Foundation.
Written in 1938, but kept hidden away for over 70 years, even after the Napoleon Hill Foundation got ahold of the book, it still wasn’t published, as Dr. Johnson’s wife, Frankie Johnson, felt much the same way as Annie, and thought the manuscript too controversial to be published while she was still alive.
After Frankie passed away, Dr. Johnson passed the manuscript onto the now CEO of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, Don Green who asked Sharon Lechter to edit the manuscript.
Finally, after being written in 1938, Outwitting the Devil: the Secret to Freedom and Success was at last published in 2011.
Other Recommended Reading
If you like this book, we think you’ll love some of our other recently featured books!
You Are a Strategist
You Are a Strategist is a game-changer for entrepreneurs who want to turn big ideas into measurable success. It cuts through the noise of overcomplicated strategy models and gives you a no-nonsense framework for execution. This book helps you clarify your vision, align your team, and drive real business results, without getting lost in corporate…
Write Useful Books
As an entrepreneur, you know a great product doesn’t just solve a problem – it spreads through word-of-mouth because it delivers real value. Write Useful Books by Rob Fitzpatrick applies this principle to nonfiction, showing you how to create a book that readers genuinely love and recommend. Instead of relying on endless marketing, Fitzpatrick’s approach…
Slicing Pie Handbook
The Slicing Pie Handbook by Mike Moyer is a must-read for founders navigating early stage equity splits. This book offers a practical, fair approach to dividing ownership in early-stage, bootstrapped startups. It’s especially helpful when you’re facing tough decisions about who gets what percentage of your business and why. One of the key highlights of…