Norman Vincent Peale

The Reverend Doctor Norman Vincent Peale never dreamed that he would find fame and fortune as one of the most successful authors of all time. In fact his self-evaluation of one of his earlier manuscripts was less than flattering. He threw the entire thing in the garbage and stated despairingly, 'I will never be a good writer.'

That manuscript, which was retrieved by his wife Ruth, found its way into book form and became a best-seller entitled, 'A Guide to Confident Living.'

Peale wrote over forty books in his career, most of which became best-sellers, the most popular of which was his stellar classic, 'The Power of Positive Thinking,' which sold 15 million copies and was translated into every language on earth.

Many people knew Norman Vincent Peale primarily as a motivational/inspirational speaker and author who traveled the world giving talks to large audiences about personal growth and development. What many did not know, however, was that Peale was a Dutch Reformed Clergyman who remained a minister his entire adult life, and was Senior Minister of the world-renown Marble Collegiate Church in New York City for 60 years.

At one point during the height of Peale's fame, crowds would line up for as many as ten city blocks trying to get into the Marble Church to hear Peale preach.

Peale was minister to many prominent people of the 20th century, including former President Richard Nixon and family, Art Fleming of the original 'Jeopardy' TV show, actress Maureen Stapleton of 'All In the Family, and Donald Trump.

I had the privilege of meeting Peale on several occasions at his 'School of Practical Christianity,' which he held in his home-base of Pawling, New York, in the middle of beautiful Dutchess County. Despite his worldwide acclaim, Peale remained unassuming and approachable. His Ohio upbringing early in the 20th century had instilled in him an unpretentiousness that was at once disarming and charming. This was definitely part of his appeal.

The authorized biography of Peale, entitled, 'One Man's Way,' contains the recount of an incident that fully displays Peale's sense of Midwestern values. When the royalties from 'The Power of Positive Thinking' began rolling in, Peale carried a bit of shame about his new-found wealth. He had bought a new Cadillac, which he allowed to sit in the garage in his home in Pawling for weeks, because he 'didn't know how his neighbors would feel about a minister being gaudy enough to drive around in an expensive car.'

One day Peale's son was with him as he contemplated his plight, looking out the window at the garage, wondering when he would finally get the car out for a drive. Finally, in disgust, Peale looked at his son and said, 'Son, if you ever decide to go into the ministry, you're an ass.'

Later Peale would drive the car. But he always carried with him values that were instilled in a era in the Midwest when a dollar was a dollar, and ministers were not to parade any wealth they may acquire.

His low-keyed approach to ministry could be seen in the Marble Church. Peale was always dignified, reverent, sometimes somber during worship. But when he rose to speak something came alive within him...an excitement, an enthusiasm, a sincerity that brought his congregation to attention. He knew how to tell a story as no other. He would have you weeping one moment, and then rolling with laughter the next, all in the manner in which he could turn a phrase.

Many within the Christian community looked at Peale with suspicion because of his willingness to frame ancient concepts in fresh ways. For example, 'The Power of Positive Thinking' was originally intended to be entitled 'The Power of Faith.' But Peale's publishers encouraged him to drop the religious language to appeal to a broader audience.

Central to the book, however, was the timeless message that the secret to an abundant life, to the drive to succeed, to a fulfilling life, is faith in Jesus Christ. In all his years of speaking, writing, and preaching, he never lost his belief in that one fundamental truth.

And people the world over have expressed a great debt to the man who introduced them to these timeless truths.