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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
Audiobook review: I was as fascinated reading the reviews of this as I was reading the actual book. To me this book was a GIANT message about perspective and that what you get in life depends greatly on your own mindset. If you think you can’t. You won’t. If you aren’t starting from within and with an attitude of mutual benefit for all, then you likely will not receive. I can see how people interpreted this in different ways. Which ironically he address that it will be received that way. I say If you come away with a negative feeling about the book it might be worth your time to turn within and see if you can look at it in a different light. I see it as you probably have all the tools to have everything you desire right in your own grasp. And if you set out to provide something wonderful in the world you will be met with wonderful right back. Our mindset is powerful. Look within. Give. Serve. And all, including you, will benefit. That was the message I got. You get what you give. And the diamonds are in your own backyard.
Okay, I’ve read this book for the second time in life now and although I appreciate the authors speech and experience, the main lesson was learnt within a few pages. I do randomly think about that lesson at times and that’s a good thing. The lesson - stop having shiny object syndrome and wondering what if and if only - and start and get to work right now, where you are. All the resources you need are within you. Just start.
I wish I could remember what caused me to buy this book over 10 years ago. I have been taking it with me through 6 moves, and I finally read it last night. Horrid. Maybe it is the original prosperity gospel. I have never read so much bs in so few pages. I have never done this with a book before but I am throwing it in the trash.
I have mixed feelings about this book. The "Acres" lecture was so so. It was delivered over 6,500 times, and while its pro-wealth/business theme may have been applicable at the time, I can only compare its message with the consummate greed quite so evident today. I did enjoy the biographical details of the author, Russell H. Cromwell... founder of Temple University, Civil War officer, preacher, founder of hospitals. A great success/motivational story here! Bottom line, a "classic" (published in 1890) of personal development books, and worth a read if you're into that genre.
Parables and sayings I've heard before, but still not worth the $1.00 I spent in purchasing it. As I was reading, I felt like something was missing. Possibly because mine was a much old edition.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Read this book twice back to back trying to link all the stories together, but you can't. This book simply was about looking inside your self and what you have currently for your answers.
adventurous
fast-paced
I believe this is a great speech in explaining how every man can start a business with nothing and even in his own area. I enjoyed the talk about traditional values, understanding the value of money, and the dangers of inheritance. But I can't agree with his underlying core belief in how Christianity supports capitalism. Take for example one of his arguements refering to a pious man:
"I have no more right to sell goods without making a profit on them than I have to overcharge him dishonestly beyond what they are worth."
Really? This just blows my mind. I don't think there's anything wrong in not making profit. It's almost like charity.
It seems like he goes to far at times in deeming how capitalism is a God-given right and "God is telling you know to go and get rich". Sounds an awful lot like manifest destiny...
In supporting man's God-given right to Capitalism, he does interpret one Bible verse, 1st Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He makes the argument that the verse is referring to greed. That someone can pursue different avenues in expanding his business without being greedy. Is that so? I find it very interpretative and subjective.
Rating Update 3/12/2019 - 3 to 2 stars. I was too generous with the 3 stars. I didn't really enjoy it.
Rating Update 4/6/19- 2 stars to 1 star. Just the whole biblical support for Capitalism put me off. It's a lecture and I didn't enjoy reading 30 pages and felt it could've been shortened.
August 31, 2019
Update
With the adoption of my new rating system, a one star rating is befitting. The original review and rating updates conform to the new rating system. The main reason behind retaining the one star rating is because of the rating update from April 6, 2019. For further support for this rating choice, read the original section of the review.
"I have no more right to sell goods without making a profit on them than I have to overcharge him dishonestly beyond what they are worth."
Really? This just blows my mind. I don't think there's anything wrong in not making profit. It's almost like charity.
It seems like he goes to far at times in deeming how capitalism is a God-given right and "God is telling you know to go and get rich". Sounds an awful lot like manifest destiny...
In supporting man's God-given right to Capitalism, he does interpret one Bible verse, 1st Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He makes the argument that the verse is referring to greed. That someone can pursue different avenues in expanding his business without being greedy. Is that so? I find it very interpretative and subjective.
Rating Update 3/12/2019 - 3 to 2 stars. I was too generous with the 3 stars. I didn't really enjoy it.
Rating Update 4/6/19- 2 stars to 1 star. Just the whole biblical support for Capitalism put me off. It's a lecture and I didn't enjoy reading 30 pages and felt it could've been shortened.
August 31, 2019
Update
With the adoption of my new rating system, a one star rating is befitting. The original review and rating updates conform to the new rating system. The main reason behind retaining the one star rating is because of the rating update from April 6, 2019. For further support for this rating choice, read the original section of the review.