The Strangest Secret: For Succeeding in the World Today

Reviews for Earl Nightingale's "The Strangest Secret" highlight its profound impact as a foundational work in the self-development genre. Many readers describe the book, often originally an audio recording, as a "classic" and a "super classic" that offers instrumental and timeless advice. It is praised for being highly motivational, inspiring, and a "mind opening" experience that can help individuals clarify their goals and shift their perspective from negative to positive thinking. The audio version, in particular, is commended for its classy presentation, accompanying jazz music, and the author's engaging voice, making it an "absolute joy to listen to." Readers appreciate its practical "how-to" approach to achieving success, emphasizing the importance of goal setting, persistence, effort, and service, which many find to be a comprehensive guide for both work and life.

Despite its positive reception, some reviewers note that the content may not be groundbreaking for those already familiar with the self-help genre, finding much of the information to be repetitive or already known. There are observations that the book relies heavily on quotes from other thinkers and the Bible rather than presenting entirely new concepts from the author. A significant point of criticism revolves around its dated cultural context; some find the "Pleasantville-level '50s baby boom" and "American Dream" rhetoric a bit hard to stomach or too short-sighted, particularly regarding assumptions about equal opportunities and the universal applicability of its advice for individuals in varying life circumstances, such as those who are retired or unable to work.

Overall, "The Strangest Secret" is considered a highly influential and essential read for anyone new to self-development principles or those seeking a powerful motivational boost. While its core message "you become what you think about" is widely lauded as timeless, readers should approach it with an understanding of its historical context. It is particularly recommended for individuals looking for a clear, actionable path to setting and achieving goals, or for those who need to cultivate a more positive mindset and are prepared to put in the necessary effort. However, experienced readers of self-help literature might find it less novel, and those sensitive to outdated cultural viewpoints may need to read it with a contextual lens.