Books with author Russell Herman Conwell

Though Russell H. Conwell’s Acres of Diamonds have been spread all over the United States, time and care have made them more valuable, and now that they have been reset in black and white by their discoverer, they are to be laid in the hands of a multitude for their enrichment. In the same case with these gems there is a fascinating story of the Master Jeweler’s life-work which splendidly illustrates the ultimate unit of power by showing what one man can do in one day and what one life is worth to the world. As his neighbor and intimate friend in Philadelphia for thirty years, I am free to say that Russell H. Conwell’s tall, manly figure stands out in the state of Pennsylvania as its first citizen and ``The Big Brother’’ of its seven millions of people. From the beginning of his career he has been a credible witness in the Court of Public Works to the truth of the strong language of the New Testament Parable where it says, ``If ye have faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, `Remove hence to yonder place,’ AND IT SHALL REMOVE AND NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE UNTO YOU. As a student, schoolmaster, lawyer, preacher, organizer, thinker and writer, lecturer, educator, diplomat, and leader of men, he has made his mark on his city and state and the times in which he has lived. A man dies, but his good work lives. His ideas, ideals, and enthusiasms have inspired tens of thousands of lives. A book full of the energetics of a master workman is just what every young man cares for.

Acres of Diamonds is one of those titles that you cannot judge by its size. While small, the title is chock full of wisdom for those who aspire to make more of their lives. "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. Conwell, who served with the Union Army, also mentions his encounter with President Lincoln just before his assassination. The book is simple and full common sense. Read and enjoy.

Originally a speech that Conwell delivered some 6,000 times in various communities across the country, Acres of Diamonds was inspired by a tale he heard from an Arab guide during a trip along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The tale, and Acres of Diamonds itself, is a parable about contentment, avarice, and a person’s ability to find all that he needs to live a fulfilled life just where he is. Riches, real tangible wealth, can be found by anyone in the town or city in which he lives, or so Conwell preached, if only he could manage to see it. Blending Christian piety and the pursuit of money, Conwell’s quirky speech will fascinate those looking for inspiration and the motivation to make it big. American lawyer, pastor, and orator RUSSELL HERMAN CONWELL (1843–1945) was born in South Worthington, Massachusetts. A captain during the Civil War, he went on to found Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

2011 Reprint of 1915 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "Acres of Diamonds" originated as a speech which Conwell delivered over 6,000 times around the world. It was first published in 1890 by the John Y. Huber Company of Philadelphia. The central idea of the work is that one need not look elsewhere for opportunity, achievement, or fortune-the resources to achieve all good things are present in one's own community. This theme is developed by an introductory anecdote, told to Conwell by an Arab guide, about a man who wanted to find diamonds so badly that he sold his property and went off in futile search for them; the new owner of his home discovered that a rich diamond mine was located right there on the property. Conwell elaborates on the theme through examples of success, genius, service, or other virtues involving ordinary Americans contemporary to his audience: "dig in your own back-yard!"

Not only one of the greatest models of effective speech ever delivered, but it also contains the philosophy of a lifetime. Excerpt When going down the Tigris and Euphrates rivers many years ago with a party of English travelers I found myself under the direction of an old Arab guide whom we hired up at Bagdad, and I have often thought how that guide resembled our barbers in certain mental characteristics. He thought that it was not only his duty to guide us down those rivers, and do what he was paid for doing, but also to entertain us with stories curious and weird, ancient and modern, strange and familiar. Many of them I have forgotten, and I am glad I have, but there is one I shall never forget.

"Acres of Diamonds" originated as a speech given by Conwell over 6,000 times in locations all over the world. Most people make the mistake of looking outside themselves for success, but one need not look elsewhere for opportunity, achievement, or fortune—the resources to achieve everything we desire are right here in front of us. We need only to learn how to use them.

This is a reproduction of the original artefact. Generally these books are created from careful scans of the original. This allows us to preserve the book accurately and present it in the way the author intended. Since the original versions are generally quite old, there may occasionally be certain imperfections within these reproductions. We're happy to make these classics available again for future generations to enjoy!