(00:00:00) 1. HE CAN WHO THINKS HE CAN
(00:18:51) 2. GETTING AROUSED
(00:29:22) 3. EDUCATION BY ABSORPTION
(00:43:33) 4. FREEDOM AT ANY COST
(01:01:35) 5. WHAT THE WORLD OWES TO DREAMERS
(01:21:50) 6. THE SPIRIT IN WHICH YOU WORK
(01:35:49) 7. RESPONSIBILITY DEVELOPS POWER
(01:55:36) 8. AN OVERMASTERING PURPOSE
(02:09:45) 9. HAS YOUR VOCATION YOUR UNQUALIFIED APPROVAL
(02:22:03) 10. STAND FOR SOMETHING
(02:37:38) 11. HAPPY? IF NOT, WHY NOT?
(02:58:31) 12. ORIGINALITY
(03:13:35) 13. HAD MONEY BUT LOST IT
(03:27:37) 14. SIZING UP PEOPLE
(03:41:42) 15. DOES THE WORLD OWE YOU A LIVING?
(03:56:32) 16. WHAT HAS LUCK DONE FOR YOU?
(04:05:08) 17. SUCCESS WITH A FLAW
(04:18:27) 18. GETTING AWAY FROM POVERTY
HE CAN WHO THINKS HE CAN: The Power of Belief in Achieving Success - Orison Swett Marden (1908) - HQ Full Book.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right." ― Henry Ford
Orison Swett Marden’s He Can Who Thinks He Can is a timeless masterpiece of motivation and personal development. Published in 1908, this inspiring work continues to resonate with readers over a century later, thanks to its enduring message: our beliefs shape our destiny. Marden’s central premise is simple yet profound—belief in oneself is the cornerstone of all success. Through eloquent prose, thought-provoking anecdotes, and practical wisdom, Marden explores the mental, emotional, and spiritual traits that define successful individuals. This book is more than just a collection of motivational essays; it's a powerful guide for unlocking inner potential and overcoming the internal barriers that limit achievement. Marden invites readers to cultivate a mindset rooted in positivity, determination, and unwavering faith in their own abilities. He urges readers to take control of their lives by mastering their thoughts, cultivating self-confidence, and acting with purpose.
Orison Swett Marden had a profound influence on the evolution of success literature and laid the foundation for many of the personal development philosophies embraced by later authors. As one of the earliest pioneers of the self-help movement, Marden’s emphasis on positive thinking, self-discipline, and faith in one’s potential directly inspired figures like Napoleon Hill, Norman Vincent Peale, Earl Nightingale, Zig Ziglar, and Tony Robbins.
Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, echoed many of Marden’s core principles, such as the power of definite purpose and the creative force of thought. Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking built upon Marden’s teachings on optimism and belief. Earl Nightingale and Zig Ziglar both credited Marden’s work with shaping their understanding of personal responsibility and the role of mindset in achieving success.
Marden’s legacy lies in his ability to combine timeless spiritual truths with practical, motivational guidance—creating a blueprint that continues to influence the self-improvement genre to this day.
Below is a brief summary of each chapter:
1. He Can Who Thinks He Can
This foundational chapter presents the book’s key message: belief in oneself is the gateway to all accomplishments. Marden argues that the thoughts we entertain become the reality we live. Confidence, self-reliance, and mental discipline are portrayed as essential tools in the creation of a successful life.
2. Getting Aroused
In this rousing chapter, Marden emphasizes the importance of awakening one’s inner energy and drive. He calls on readers to stir themselves into action, warning against the dangers of inertia and passive living. Success, he says, requires enthusiasm, initiative, and a willingness to move.
3. Education by Absorption
Here, Marden shifts focus to the idea that learning should be continuous and organ