The Strangest Secret (1956) by Earl Nightingale

Summary

This script reveals the 'strangest secret' of success: 'We become what we think about.' It emphasizes the power of goal-setting and positive thinking, illustrating how individuals with clear objectives tend to succeed while those without goals often fail. Drawing on wisdom from historical figures and the Bible, the speaker encourages listeners to harness the fertile potential of their minds, plant seeds of success, and control their thoughts to achieve their dreams.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The 'strangest secret' is that success comes from progressive realization of a worthy ideal, not just material wealth.
• 🏆 Success is defined as having a goal and working towards it, rather than societal status or wealth.
• 🚀 Only a small percentage of people achieve their goals, indicating that the majority lack clear objectives or the drive to achieve them.
• 🧠 'We become what we think about' is a central theme, emphasizing the power of thought in shaping our lives.
• 🌱 The mind is compared to fertile land; it will grow whatever is planted in it, whether positive or negative thoughts.
• 🌟 Success is not just for a select few; anyone can achieve it by setting and pursuing a worthy goal.
• 🌱 The human mind is a powerful tool that can achieve great things if utilized properly, but it's often underused.
• 💡 The script suggests that people conform because they believe their lives are shaped by external circumstances rather than their own thoughts and actions.
• 🌈 Visualization is a key technique for achieving goals, as it helps to solidify them in our minds and make them feel real.
• ✊ Controlling our thoughts is crucial; the same mental laws that can lead to success can also lead to failure if misused.

Q & A

What is the 'strangest secret in the world' referred to in the script?

The 'strangest secret in the world' is the idea that 'we become what we think about,' meaning our thoughts and attitudes shape our lives and determine our success or failure.

According to the script, what percentage of men starting at age 25 achieve financial success by age 65?

Only 5 out of 100 men achieve financial success by age 65, which is approximately 5%.

What does the script define as success?

Success is defined in the script as the progressive realization of a worthy ideal, meaning having a predetermined goal and working towards it.

How does the script relate conformity to failure?

The script suggests that conformity, or acting like everyone else without knowing why, is a major cause of failure because it leads to a lack of individual direction and purpose.

What does the script suggest is the reason for the high number of people who are broke by the age of 65?

The script implies that the reason for the high number of broke people by age 65 is that they have not learned how to become financially independent, despite living in a land of abundant opportunity.

What is the role of goals in achieving success according to the script?

Goals are essential for success because they provide direction and purpose, enabling individuals to work towards a specific, predetermined outcome.

How does the script compare the human mind to fertile land?

The script compares the human mind to fertile land in that both can yield whatever is planted in them, whether it's positive thoughts leading to success or negative thoughts leading to failure.

What does the script suggest about the power of belief?

The script suggests that belief is a powerful force; if you believe in your goals and maintain a positive attitude, you are more likely to achieve what you desire.

Why does the script mention that the human mind is the 'last great unexplored continent on the Earth'?

The script mentions this to emphasize the vast potential and power of the human mind, which is largely untapped and can bring about extraordinary results if utilized properly.

What is the importance of controlling our thoughts according to the script?

Controlling our thoughts is crucial because it determines whether we lead a life of success and happiness or one of failure and misery. The same mental laws that can lead to prosperity can also lead to ruin if misused.

How does the script encourage individuals to approach their lives?

The script encourages individuals to approach their lives as an exciting adventure, to be fully alive, and to pursue their goals with determination and a positive mindset.