Think and Grow Rich

The author describes the Sixth Sense as the subconscious mind’s ability to receive communication from Infinite Intelligence, sometimes manifesting as hunches or inspirations.

Hill holds nightly meetings with his own imaginary “Invisible Counselors” group, consisting of notable figures from history such as Lincoln, Edison, and Darwin. Through these imaginary meetings, he seeks to emulate the qualities and characteristics of these individuals, using auto-suggestion to shape his own character and mindset. Hill suggests that many great leaders throughout history, including Napoleon, Bismark, Joan of Arc, Christ, Buddha, Confucius, and Mohammed, likely utilized the Sixth Sense continuously, and their remarkable achievements could be largely attributed to their understanding of this principle.

The Sixth Sense plays a key role in providing guidance and insights during moments of crisis or decision-making. The author has sometimes felt miraculously guided through difficult situations by his Counselors, suggesting that the Sixth Sense operates beyond the physical senses and can be accessed through extraordinary stimulation of the mind. However, “the sixth sense is not something that one can take off and put on at will. Ability to use this great power comes slowly, through application of the other principles outlined in this book” (257).

The chapter concludes with the assertion that the Sixth Sense is a powerful tool for achieving success and fulfillment in life. However, individuals rarely attain a practical understanding of the Sixth Sense before the age of 40 or even 50. This delay is attributed to the maturation of spiritual forces associated with the Sixth Sense, which needs years of meditation, self-reflection, and deep contemplation for full utilization. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing this principle for those who seek more than just material wealth, as it can lead to a deeper understanding of self, others, and the laws of nature.

Overcoming the “Six Ghosts of Fear” paves the way for success. Preparing one’s mind to receive the philosophy outlined in the book involves understanding and addressing three primary enemies: indecision, doubt, and fear. Hill asserts that the Sixth Sense, a crucial element in achieving success, cannot function effectively while these negative states persist in the mind.

The six basic fears that afflict humanity are fears of poverty, criticism, ill health, loss of love of someone, old age, and death. These fears, when left unchecked, can hinder one’s progress and lead to a state of perpetual worry and insecurity.

Hill provides insights into how these fears manifest in people’s lives and offers strategies to conquer them. He claims a correlation between thought and reality, stating that all thought tends to materialize into physical equivalents. For example, according to Hill what really manifested the Great Depression was a collective fear of poverty. Hill stresses the importance of making conscious decisions to reject fear and embrace positive attitudes and beliefs. According to a reputable doctor, a significant portion of individuals seeking medical assistance actually suffer from hypochondria, a condition where imagined illnesses cause real physical symptoms. This underscores the immense power of the human mind, capable of both creating and alleviating fears.

Furthermore, Hill discusses the detrimental effects of worry, indecision, and criticism on mental well-being and overall success. He encourages readers to cultivate a mindset of confidence, decisiveness, and resilience in the face of adversity: “your business in life is, presumably to achieve success. To be successful, you must find peace of mind, acquire the material needs of life, and above all, attain HAPPINESS. All of these evidences of success begin in the form of thought impulses” (276).

Susceptibility to negative influences is the seventh basic evil that impedes success: “without doubt, the most common weakness of all human beings is the habit of leaving their minds open to the negative influence of other people” (279). This evil is often more deeply rooted and harmful than the six basic fears outlined earlier in the book.

Hill asserts that those who accumulate wealth safeguard themselves against this evil, while the impoverished often fall victim to it. Individuals like Thomas A. Edison, F. W. Woolworth, George Washington, and Henry Ford defied negative opinions and achieved success by believing in themselves and controlling their minds. Despite facing skepticism and criticism, these individuals maintained faith in their abilities and visions, rejecting doubts from others and focusing on their goals with determination. Hill urges readers, especially those aspiring for riches, to thoroughly examine themselves to determine if they are susceptible to negative influences. Hill stresses the importance of willpower in resisting these influences and advises individuals to surround themselves with positive influences and to keep their minds closed to those who discourage or depress them.

Furthermore, Hill provides a comprehensive self-analysis test consisting of probing questions aimed at helping readers identify their susceptibility to negative influences. Some of these questions include; “Do you complain often of ‘feeling bad,’ and if so, what is the cause?” (279), “Are you sometimes ‘in the clouds’ and at other times in the depths of despondency?” (280), and “Are you conscious of possessing spiritual forces of sufficient power to enable you to keep your mind free from all forms of fear?” (282). Through self-analysis and disciplined action, individuals can harness the power of their minds to overcome obstacles and realize their aspirations.

Towards the end of the chapter, Hill presents a list of 55 ways that people often justify their failures, excuses that are counterproductive and hinder personal growth. He refers to Plato and Elbert Hubbard, who emphasize the detrimental nature of justifying failure, and assert that conquering oneself and acknowledging personal weaknesses is essential for success.