Other editions of book Acres of Diamonds

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.

'Acres of Diamonds' originated as a speech which Conwell delivered over 6,000 times around the world. 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, credited by Conwell to 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 backyard!".

Why was Russell Conwell, the founder of Temple University, referred to as the penniless millionaire? This, along with other questions, will be answered in this revolutionary book that contains Conwell's classic Acres of Diamonds message. You will discover how this lawyer, minister, writer, educator, and diplomat who represented the City of Brotherly Love left a legacy that is still changing countless lives today. His famous Acres of Diamonds message will also challenge you to seek opportunities to find true wealth right in your own backyard without getting sidetracked by selfishness and greed. The same principles that transformed Russell Conwell into one of the most charitable millionaires during his time, will also revolutionize your life as you read this timeless message contained in this book!