Think and Grow Rich book cover

Think and Grow Rich by Dennis Kimbro Summary

Think and Grow Rich
Dennis Kimbro
Entrepreneurship
Self-growth
Inspiration
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Think and Grow Rich

Discover the first major Black self-help bestseller that transformed 250,000+ lives. Endorsed by Oprah and praised as "the bible for Black capitalists," Kimbro's adaptation of Napoleon Hill's classic reveals success principles through stories of African American trailblazers.

Key Takeaways from Think and Grow Rich

  1. Definite purpose and all-consuming desire fuel Black entrepreneurial success.
  2. Faith in vision overcomes systemic barriers to wealth creation.
  3. Daily habits and specialized knowledge build generational wealth foundations.
  4. Persistence beats talent when coupled with organized financial planning.
  5. Auto-suggestion techniques reprogram subconscious minds for abundance thinking.
  6. Mastermind alliances accelerate Black economic empowerment and opportunity access.
  7. Transmuting sexual energy into creative drives boosts business productivity.
  8. Decision-making speed and clarity separate dreamers from achievers.
  9. Embracing "Black Choice" mindset transforms poverty consciousness into potential.
  10. Controlled imagination visualizes success before material manifestations occur.
  11. Personal action trumps external circumstances in wealth accumulation journeys.
  12. Spiritual principles combined with practical steps redefine Black excellence.

Overview of its author - Dennis Kimbro

Dr. Dennis Kimbro, bestselling author of Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice, is a renowned leadership expert and business professor celebrated for translating success principles into actionable strategies for Black entrepreneurship. A Clark Atlanta University School of Business professor and director of its Center for Entrepreneurship, Kimbro merges academic rigor with real-world insights drawn from interviewing top achievers.

His collaboration with the Napoleon Hill Foundation revitalized Napoleon Hill’s unfinished work on economic empowerment, creating this seminal self-help classic that has guided generations toward financial independence and personal growth.

Kimbro’s other influential works, including The Wealth Choice and What Makes the Great Great, further explore mindset shifts and systemic barriers affecting Black prosperity. A dynamic speaker featured in The New York Times and USA Today, he blends historical analysis with motivational storytelling. Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice remains a cornerstone of business education, praised for its timeless framework on wealth-building and adopted by entrepreneurs and institutions alike since its 1991 debut.

Common FAQs of Think and Grow Rich

What is Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice about?

Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro adapts Napoleon Hill’s success principles for the Black community, blending timeless strategies with culturally relevant examples. The book highlights African American achievers like Oprah Winfrey and Spike Lee, emphasizing desire, faith, and persistence as keys to overcoming systemic barriers. Kimbro provides actionable steps for building wealth, fostering resilience, and leveraging collective empowerment through guided visualization and goal-setting frameworks.

Who should read Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice?

This book is ideal for African American professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking culturally resonant success strategies. It’s particularly valuable for those navigating systemic challenges, as Kimbro’s insights on perseverance, specialized knowledge, and community support offer both inspiration and practical tools.

Is Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice worth reading?

Yes, for its unique focus on Black excellence and actionable advice. Kimbro’s blend of Hill’s principles with African American success stories—like Oprah Winfrey’s rise from poverty—makes it a motivational guide for overcoming adversity. Readers praise its relevance to personal and professional growth.

What are the key principles in Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice?

Key principles include:

  • Burning Desire: A non-negotiable hunger for success.
  • Faith: Belief in oneself and the inevitability of achievement.
  • Specialized Knowledge: Continuous learning tailored to one’s goals.
  • Master Mind Alliances: Collaborating with mentors and peers.
  • Persistence: Sustained effort despite setbacks.
How does Dennis Kimbro adapt Napoleon Hill’s ideas for the Black community?

Kimbro contextualizes Hill’s principles within Black experiences, using examples like Jesse Jackson’s activism and Dr. Selma Burke’s artistic contributions. He addresses systemic barriers while emphasizing cultural pride, mentorship, and communal uplift as pathways to success.

What role does faith play in Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice?

Faith is framed as a transformative force that turns aspirations into reality. Kimbro argues that unwavering self-belief, reinforced through daily affirmations and visualization, enables individuals to overcome doubt and external obstacles.

How does the book emphasize specialized knowledge?

Kimbro stresses acquiring expertise through formal education, mentorship, or lived experience. He advises readers to proactively seek skills relevant to their goals, citing examples like Oprah’s media savvy and Spike Lee’s film-industry innovations.

The book profiles African American icons, including Oprah Winfrey’s media empire, Jesse Jackson’s civil rights leadership, and Spike Lee’s film career. These stories illustrate how applying Hill’s principles leads to wealth and influence despite racial inequities.

How does Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice address overcoming adversity?

Kimbro advocates reframing challenges as opportunities, using persistence and a growth mindset. He highlights historical resilience—such as post-slavery entrepreneurship—to show how adversity can fuel innovation and determination.

What is the “Master Mind” principle in the book?

The Master Mind involves forming alliances with mentors and peers who share your vision. Kimbro credits this collaborative approach to successes like the Harlem Renaissance, where collective creativity drove cultural and economic progress.

How does the book approach goal setting?

Goals must be specific, written down, and paired with a “burning desire.” Kimbro recommends breaking objectives into actionable steps, as seen in W. Clement Stone’s insurance empire, which grew from a detailed, persistent strategy.

What criticisms exist about Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice?

Some argue the book’s focus on individual mindset underemphasizes systemic racism’s impact. Others find its optimism oversimplified, though supporters counter that it provides tools to navigate structural barriers proactively.

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"I felt too tired to read, but too guilty to scroll. BeFreed's fun podcast pulled me back."

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likes117

"Gonna use this app to clear my tbr list! The podcast mode make it effortless!"

@Moemenn
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it's just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, NYC
Investment Banking Associate
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comments17
thumbsUp254

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The flashcards help me actually remember what I read."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"I felt too tired to read, but too guilty to scroll. BeFreed's fun podcast pulled me back."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Gonna use this app to clear my tbr list! The podcast mode make it effortless!"

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it's just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, NYC
Investment Banking Associate
platform
comments17
thumbsUp254

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The flashcards help me actually remember what I read."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483
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