Outwitting The Devil

Outwitting The Devil, The Secret to Freedom and Success

By Napoleon Hill

Date Review Posted:  February 12, 2013

Authors:  Napoleon Hill, edited and annotated by Sharon Lechter

Release Date:  2011  BUT WRITTEN IN 1938

Web Site:  http://wwwOutwittingTheDevil.com

Related Blog:   http://sharonlechter.com/blog/

Rating:  CCCCC  (A case could be made that I would only review the best of the best because if while reading a book it does not hold my interest, I would not finish it and therefore would not review it.)

Format:  I have never read a book quite like this one.  It entails a practice described by Napoleon Hill as his “Invisible Counselors Technique”.  This technique involves being able to clear one’s mind and possibly going into a trance where Hill would be counseled by people of his choosing, dead or alive.  In this book, Hill interviews the Devil.  It is an amazing technique that will hold you spell-bound to reading this book.  You find yourself asking the question, “how does he know?”  To get a better understanding of this technique, go to this YouTube site for a brief video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK8Aeet4VYE&feature=youtu.be  If you were to learn to use this technique, it would most assuredly change your life.

Reason For Reading THIS book:  It was recommended by Bob Burg (Endless Referral fame).  Anything Bob Burg recommends is excellent.  Also listened to an interview conduct by Bob Burg with the author, Lisa Earle McLeod.   www.BobBurg.com

Number Of Times I Have Read This Book:  Once but intend to read it again; next time with a hi-liter.

Brief Summary of Content:  

This is a story about Napoleon Hill’s life and how he came to writing the book he is most known for “Think and Grow Rich” which has become the benchmark for self-improvement books ever since.  It did not come easily.  In fact it took 25 years to get to print.  This is his story and how he overcame obstacles and his own destructive thought process and how he had to develop a new mindset for success. 

Here is the kicker, so to speak.  Outwitting The Devil was written in 1938 but was not published until 2011.  Why?  Because Hill’s wife and later his family were concerned about the adverse reaction the book may garner.  If you read the book you will understand why the concern.  What Hill wrote about in 1938 applies maybe even more so to today than it did in 1938.  Hill, in this interview with the Devil, compels the Devil to tell the truth.  The interview covers a lot of subjects that may be considered taboo to a lot of people and if you are of a different thinking, may even upset you and it will make you question some of your long-standing beliefs.  Subjects like Religion, Education, Public Schools, and personal agendas regarding these subjects.  Nonetheless, you need to take into account that this was written in 1938 and the premonition and understanding of issues then is uncanny as to how they apply to our time over 70 years later.  As I read the book, I had to keep reminding myself that it was written 70 years ago and not today.

If all of the adverse situations that arise throughout the world and our own lives are believed to be attributable to the Devil or devil-like activities, then the answers provided by the Devil as to how to overcome these causes will astound you.  Again, you will have to keep asking yourself, did he actually interview the Devil or was this a very vivid imagination at work. 

The book, at least for me, provided reason as to why the world is as it is at this moment in time – in chaos and more importantly, who is responsible for the chaos; the answers will surprise and shock you.

The book in one word – WOW!

Who Should Read the Book?    Everyone! 

CHAPTERS:  I think a lot can be learned by just looking at the chapter titles.  Here are the chapters of this book:

Chapter 1:  My First Meeting with Andrew Carnegie

Chapter 2:  A New World Is Revealed to Me

Chapter 3:  A Strange Interview with the Devil

Chapter 4:  Drifting with the Devil

Chapter 5:  The Confession (of the Devil) Continues

Chapter 6:  Hypnotic Rhythm

Chapter 7:  Seeds of Fear

Chapter 8:  Definiteness of Purpose

Chapter 9:  Education and Religion

Chapter 10:  Self-Discipline

Chapter 11:  Learning from Adversity

Chapter 12:  Environment, Time, Harmony, and Caution

Summary

Afterward by Michael Bernard Beckwith

Reflection by Sharon Lechter

Final Test:  Would I read the book again?  ABSOLUTELY AND I WILL!