Men take on the nature and the habits and the power of thought of those with whom they associate in a spirit of sympathy and harmony.
Those who succeed in an outstanding way seldom do so before the age of 40. More often, they do not strike their real pace until they are well beyond the age of 50.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success often comes later in life, particularly after age 40 or even 50.
Napoleon Hill's quote emphasizes that exceptional success is frequently achieved later in life, suggesting that many individuals may not fully realize their potential or reach significant accomplishments until they have accumulated more experience and wisdom. This reflection on the timelines of success encourages patience and perseverance, recognizing that the journey towards achieving greatness can take time and may be influenced by personal growth and maturity.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech encouraging young entrepreneurs, one could say, 'Remember, those who succeed often do so later in life, as Napoleon Hill once pointed out.'
More from Napoleon Hill
All quotes →Nature yields her most profound secrets to the person who is determined to uncover them.
Man, alone, has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man, alone, can dream and make his dreams come true.
One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.
Let nobody bribe you away from being yourself.
Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to cut all sources of retreat. Only by doing so can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as a burning desire to win - essential to success.
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The moment I said I'd finished a book, I knew what would happen. There would be a bidding war, and I would end up with someone who'd got the fattest wallet, who had bought it because I'd written Harry Potter. That would have been why.
For me, it is important to win titles and for that I need to work hard, stay healthy and be able to compete. The rest, I always say, it comes.
There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering.
Work is life for me, it is the only point of life - and with it there is almost religious belief that service is everything.