HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT: Mastering the Art of Succes - Orison Swett Marden (1917)

(00:00:00) HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT: Mastering the Art of Succes - Orison Swett Marden (1917)
(00:00:05) 1. SOMETHING TOUCHED HIM
(00:24:58) 2. HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT
(01:07:27) 3. PLAYING THE GLAD GAME
(01:36:45) 4. DISCOURAGEMENT A DISEASE - HOW TO CURE IT
(02:07:44) 5. THE FORCE THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS
(02:48:22) 6. FAITH AND DRUGS
(03:24:52) 7. HOW TO FIND ONESELF
(03:55:46) 8. HOW TO ATTRACT PROSPERITY
(04:30:05) 9. THINKING ALL OVER
(05:09:27) 10. HEART-TO-HEART TALKS WITH YOURSELF
(05:45:33) 11. OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD

HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT: Mastering the Art of Succes - Orison Swett Marden (1917) - HQ Full Book.

How to Get What You Want by Orison Swett Marden is a timeless classic in the field of personal development and self-improvement. As the founder of Success magazine and a pioneer in motivational literature, Marden wrote with a unique combination of spiritual insight, common sense, and unwavering optimism. His core message is clear: anyone can achieve success and fulfillment by aligning their thoughts and actions with universal principles of truth, faith, and purpose. Marden’s work remains relevant more than a century after its publication because it addresses the eternal human quest: to get what we truly want—be it happiness, success, prosperity, or self-fulfillment. Through practical advice, inspiring anecdotes, and uplifting philosophy, Marden delivers a powerful blueprint for transforming one’s life from the inside out. His teachings revolve around cultivating a positive mental attitude, strengthening character, overcoming discouragement, and partnering with the divine force within each person.

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: 

Chapter 1: Something Touched Him
This opening chapter sets the tone for the book with the story of an inner awakening. Marden speaks of a mysterious yet powerful force that "touches" people, stirring them from complacency and igniting the desire for something greater. This inner spark, he explains, is the beginning of transformation. When people begin to feel dissatisfied with mediocrity, it's a sign that they are ready for change. The chapter encourages readers to listen to their inner promptings, as they are the whispers of destiny calling them toward their higher purpose. 

Chapter 2: How To Get What You Want
In the titular chapter, Marden lays out his central thesis: getting what you want is not about luck or circumstances but about conscious intention, belief, and action. He emphasizes the importance of clearly defining your desires, visualizing your success, and persistently working toward it. The universe, he suggests, responds to clarity, confidence, and effort. When desire is backed by unwavering belief and relentless effort, it inevitably manifests in tangible results. 

Chapter 3: Playing The Glad Game
Borrowing the term from Pollyanna, this chapter highlights the transformative power of gratitude and positive thinking. Marden explains that those who learn to “play the glad game” find reasons to be joyful and hopeful in every situation. This optimism doesn't ignore hardship; rather, it empowers individuals to rise above challenges with a constructive spirit. By focusing on what is good and possible, we align ourselves with success and keep discouragement at bay. 

Chapter 4: Discouragement A Disease – How To Cure It
Here, Marden treats discouragement as a mental "disease" that can sabotage ambition and paralyze potential. He identifies the symptoms—doubt, fear, hesitation—and offers remedies such as positive affirmation, association with inspiring people, and action-oriented thinking. The cure, he insists, lies in faith, persistence, and a refusal to indulge in self-pity. He calls discourageme