Another scenario to consider is that maybe they just came forth into physical reality as messengers, and once they had got that message across in their teachings, it really didn't matter what happened because they knew when they transitioned back into non physical, the realization of their teachings was fulfilled.

As Stingray pointed out, most of the truly great teachers did not buy into hero worship. Jesus was a classic example of this. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt how universal laws worked, including the LOA , but he still allowed himself to be put to death in an excruciating manner even though he could have prevented it through the use of these laws. Because, he also knew the message, for humanity, contained within the crucifixion - he fully embraced the realization that the message was more important than the messenger.

Maybe, quite simply, although he knew how to attain it, material wealth just didn't mean that much to Napoleon Hill but he realized his message may have been valuable to others.

I read the biography of Hill written by one of his assistants. He died reasonably well off, perhaps due to W. Clement Stone's strong support of the materials. Stone also bought back the rights to "Think & Grow Rich" and gave them to Hill. But most of the first 60 years of Hill's life were full of struggle and frequent failures. His own son called him a charlatan and never really forgave him.

After, a quick search on the internet I found out that he had sign a pre-nup that left him penniless( all the royalities from "Think and Grow Rich went to his ex). However, he started over and did various things such as the Napoleon Hill foundation. I believe that he died comfortably not broke, nor was he struggling. However, he did learn his methods of success from Andrew Carnegie who died a billionaire.

I did feel a little uneasy about old Wallace Wattles. He wrote the science of being well and died at around 60.

I can only say that because they might not hav fully practised their own theories doesnt neccessarily discredit them.

BUT i must admit it would cause doubts in some people.

Graham

"he didn't practise what he taught..so there was no value in his teachings."

There are some terrible priests out there who taught Jesus' message.

At some point you have to forget who the teacher is and think for yourself, is this message applicable in my life, regardless of who is sharing it? When I "experiment" with their methods, do I feel right? Do I see results? etc...

The bible teaches that we came into this world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing, and it is the same for all humans rich, and poor. The status of the dead is to return to the dust, Kings, Queens Prince, and Princess, old, and young, no exception!

So what does it really matters whether a person dies a rich man or a poor man, everyone is going back to dust, and there wealth becomes meaningless to them. So should we judge a man on his wealth, or should we judge a man on the work he has done?

The way I look at it is you walk the talk and practise what you preach; however, I am not big on preaching and believe the best way to convey a message is by being the living example of it.

Thank you, namaste

I missed this question the first time around.

This is from the commentary section of the book (condensed)

In 1908, in a down economy, an un-employed Napoleon Hill took a job writing about the success stories of famous men for Bob Taylor’s Magazine. The job didn’t offer much money.

His first interviewee, Andrew Carnegie, recognizing Napoleon’s perceptive mind, became his mentor and gave him a twenty year task of interviewing those who had achieved greatness; at no more pay than to make the necessary introductions and cover travel expenses.

So Napoleon’s book was not “How I became Rich”. It was how the greatest success stories were a result of “Thinking and Growing Rich” and “here are the principles of their success”.

But it’s better to quote Carnegie (also from the commentary section), who said; “Any person could achieve greatness if they understood the philosophy of success and the steps required to achieve it, It’s a shame that each new generation must find the way to success by trial and error, when the principles are really clear cut,”

So Napoleon Hill's financial status is not relevant here, because he was not writing about himself.

Almost every area I can think of the teacher was the weak link It was never the student. This was especially true for spiritual and psychic matters. I notice the same weakness in sports coaches and just wherever you look including get rich guy authors.

Well I'm kinda interested about HILL cause of death as well, but if he really died broke that is fine with me and that wont lessen my respect to him. WHY? because money is not everything and that is what Napoleon HILL taught to all of us and for you guys there who havent read yet the real thing about his real story please read the recent book of him next to THINK AND GROW RICH the name of the book is OUTWITTING THE DEVIL and drop me a message or comment if you're already done reading it. thanks!