Think and Grow Rich

Discuss some of Hill’s rhetorical strategies for making his “secret” both easy to understand and also seemingly supported by expertise?

Compare Hill’s more practical suggestions—that of a brain trust that meets to support one another, and that of refining one’s leadership qualities—with the supernatural conclusions each of these extends to. Why does Hill insist on the mystical powers of his ideas?

Discuss the different kinds of logical fallacies that drive the book’s argumentation. How does Hill use logically unsound reasoning to make his points? Does this approach work? Why or why not?

Research the scientific principles Hill co-opts. What was 1930s understanding of the subconscious? Does Hill’s idea of vibrating thoughts come from 1930s physics? How does Hill transform complex science in his book?

What is Hill’s approach to biography? Do the sketches of lives he uses as examples offer useful glimpses of other people’s experiences? Why or why not?

How does Hill use personal anecdotes? Research what is known about the real Hill and compare it with how he describes himself in the book. What do the differences say about Hill as a writer and salesman?

Compare Hill’s book with a more recent example of self-help literature focusing on “manifesting” reality. How have Hill’s ideas been transformed by later self-help authors? How have they stayed the same?

Consider Hill’s figurative language. How does he use metaphor and other forms of comparison to make his arguments?