Think and Grow Rich vs The Law of Success: Which Napoleon Hill Book Should You Read First?

When it comes to personal development and wealth-building, few names are as influential as Napoleon Hill. His two most famous works, Think and Grow Rich and The Law of Success, have inspired millions worldwide. But what’s the difference between them? Which one should you read first? In this article, we explore Think and Grow Rich vs The Law of Success, helping you decide which book aligns better with your goals.

Understanding the Foundations: Napoleon Hill’s Mission

Before comparing the two, it's important to understand Hill's purpose. Commissioned by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, Napoleon Hill spent over 25 years interviewing successful people like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Alexander Graham Bell. His goal was to uncover a philosophy of success that anyone could follow. The results of this study first appeared in The Law of Success (1928) and were later condensed into Think and Grow Rich (1937).

The Law of Success: The Original Blueprint

The Law of Success is Hill’s comprehensive work, spanning over 600 pages. It includes 16 detailed lessons based on his interviews and research. This book offers a holistic, almost encyclopedic guide to success in every area of life—personal, financial, social, and spiritual.

The 16 lessons include topics such as:

• A Definite Chief Aim
• Self-Confidence
• Initiative and Leadership
• Imagination
• Concentration
• Tolerance
• The Golden Rule

This book is rich in detail and examples. Hill not only discusses how successful people think, but also dives deep into character development, decision-making, and even teamwork. It’s ideal for readers who want a full, unfiltered version of Hill’s philosophy.

Think and Grow Rich: The Focused Bestseller

Nearly a decade later, Hill published Think and Grow Rich, a more concise and focused version of his philosophy. Instead of 16 lessons, the book outlines 13 principles for achieving financial and personal success.

These 13 principles include:

• Desire
• Faith
• Autosuggestion
• Specialized Knowledge
• Imagination
• Organized Planning
• Decision
• Persistence
• Power of the Master Mind
• The Mystery of Sex Transmutation
• The Subconscious Mind
• The Brain
• The Sixth Sense

At just over 250 pages, Think and Grow Rich is easier to digest. It removes some of the broader life lessons in The Law of Success and centers primarily on wealth accumulation and mindset transformation. The language is more polished and organized, making it more suitable for readers looking for a practical, step-by-step guide.

Think and Grow Rich vs The Law of Success: Key Differences

Here are the main differences between the two works:

1. Length and Depth

The Law of Success is significantly longer and more detailed. It reads like a textbook on success. Think and Grow Rich, on the other hand, is more accessible, designed to deliver the most powerful lessons in a concise format.

2. Target Audience

If you're just beginning your personal development journey or want a motivational boost, Think and Grow Rich is the ideal starting point. If you’re already familiar with success literature and want an in-depth look at Hill’s complete philosophy, The Law of Success is the better choice.

3. Focus

Think and Grow Rich focuses heavily on mindset and money-making principles. The Law of Success is broader, covering character development, leadership, and moral values alongside wealth strategies.

4. Writing Style

Hill’s writing in The Law of Success can feel dated and verbose, especially with examples from the 1920s. Think and Grow Rich is more refined, with tighter narratives and universal appeal, which is why it became a global bestseller.

5. Historical Impact

Although The Law of Success laid the foundation, Think and Grow Rich is the book that made Napoleon Hill a household name. It has sold over 100 million copies and remains one of the most recommended self-help books in history.

Which Book Should You Read First?

The answer depends on your goals and reading style.

• If you prefer a fast, actionable guide to success that focuses on wealth and mindset, start with Think and Grow Rich. It’s motivational and accessible, with principles that you can apply immediately to your personal and professional life.
• If you want a deep dive into the complete philosophy of success and don’t mind a longer read, go with The Law of Success. It’s more academic and thorough, perfect for readers who want to study success on a deeper level.

Many readers find that starting with Think and Grow Rich provides a strong foundation, and then reading The Law of Success expands their understanding and helps reinforce the ideas with more context and depth.

Final Thoughts

Whether you start with Think and Grow Rich or The Law of Success, both books offer life-changing wisdom. Hill’s principles have stood the test of time for a reason—they work. For anyone serious about mastering their mindset and achieving extraordinary success, reading both is highly recommended.

Start with Think and Grow Rich to ignite your motivation, then dive into The Law of Success for the complete masterclass.