Book Description
Inspirational Classic

Meet a self-made man who lived a totally unselfish life, and who opened doors of opportunity for untold millions through his philosophy that "ALL GOOD THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!" He believed that each of us is placed here on earth for one main purpose--to help others.

Conwell was a minister, the founder of Temple University, and two hospitals where no one was ever turned away for lack of money. He was also a famous lecturer.In his lecture, the story is told of a man who sells his farm, to travel far and wide in search of diamonds. There is a moral to the tale Conwell gave the lecture over 6,000 times to untold numbers of people.It earned over $4,000,000 (about $150,000,000 in today's dollars.) all given to youth and education.

"ACRES OF DIAMONDS" is a spiritual book.It is not a "get-rich-quick" guide.Conwell saw that success is a spiritual idea, and is a result of spiritual principles. The 160-page book includes the lecture and biographical material.Here is the original self-motivational message, long lost, now found!

You, too, can find your fortune -- if you know where to look.Let the author point you in the right direction to find your "Acres of Diamonds."There are many opportunities for success today as in Conwell's time, if not more so, because they are found first and foremost in one's own conscience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Success Classic
Russell Conwell's book, "Acres of Diamonds" was developed from a speech he delivered to church congregations over 5,000 times. The proceeds he earned from this speech are reputed to have given him a fortune, which he used to found Temple University in Philadelphia.

"Acres of Diamonds" is the story of a successful farmer in India named Al Hafed. Hafed is tempted by the allure of wealth and sells his farm to search the world for diamonds. Years later he dies penniless, having not found diamonds. However, back home the man who purchased Hafed's farm accidentally discovers a huge field of diamonds on Hafed's former land.

Conwell uses this story to illustrate that success often lies close at hand, if you are willing to open your eyes and mind to opportunity. Conwell further suggests that most people are "pygmies of their possible selves," rarely achieving the potential of their innate abilities or local opportunities. Conwell also discusses his basic philosophy of business and gives several rules, or suggestions, for budding entrepreneurs:

1. The seeds of fortune are close at hand. Stick with what you know, find your niche, and don't be swayed by the allure of "greener pastures."
2. Find out what people want, and fill that need. This sounds obvious, but many entrepreneurs start with a product or service, and then try to find a market for their product or service. Conwell advises finding the market first, then developing a product or service to meet that demand.
3. Make the best possible product and provide them to a large number of people.

"Acres of Diamonds" was first published in 1921. It is still valid today, and provides valuable lessons to anyone attempting to achieve financial success.

You may also want to read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The 17 Principles of Creating Wealth by Phillip Collinsowrth.


Ron Taylor
Author, Network Marketing: MLM strategies for Success and Wealth Creation

Acres of Diamonds
I used this book for research and found it to be a most enjoyable read. I am a newly published author of "Embracing Life - Living With Chronic Pain" and am currently writing the sequel to be entitled "Healing Hope" Acres of Diamonds provided me with the material I was trying to verify for my next endeavor. ... Read more