Earl Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secret” explores the concept that our thoughts dictate our reality, influencing success or failure. He argues that setting specific, worthwhile goals and focusing on them consistently leads to achievement. Nightingale stresses the importance of service to others and positive thinking, advocating for a 30-day plan to reprogram the mind for success. The text emphasizes that anyone can achieve their goals by consciously controlling their thoughts and actions. Ultimately, it posits that this principle, though simple, remains a secret to many, hindering their potential. By understanding this law of attraction and consistent, positive action, you create a life of abundance.

Earl Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secret” FAQ

What is “The Strangest Secret” and why is it considered strange?
“The Strangest Secret” is the idea that we become what we think about. It’s considered strange because, despite being a widely known principle taught by philosophers and present in religious texts, very few people truly understand and apply it to their lives. This leads to its “secret” nature – readily available knowledge that remains largely unutilized.
What is Earl Nightingale’s definition of success?
Success is defined as “the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” This means that success is not just about reaching a final destination, but about the journey of working towards a goal that is personally meaningful and valuable. It emphasizes the importance of having a predetermined, worthy goal and making deliberate progress towards it.
Why do so few people achieve financial independence and success, even in a land of abundant opportunity?
The primary reason is conformity. Most people simply follow the crowd, acting like the 95% who don’t succeed, without questioning their direction or goals. They fail to define their own “worthy ideal” and allow external circumstances to dictate their lives, rather than proactively shaping their own destinies.
How do goals relate to success, according to Nightingale?
Goals are essential for success. People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going. Without a specific goal, life becomes like a ship without a captain or destination, drifting aimlessly and likely ending in failure. Goals provide direction, purpose, and motivation, enabling individuals to navigate towards their desired outcomes.
What is the analogy of the farmer’s land, and how does it illustrate the power of our minds?
The analogy compares the human mind to fertile land. Just as a farmer can plant either corn or poison in the land, the mind can be filled with either positive, success-oriented thoughts or negative, failure-oriented thoughts. The land, like the mind, doesn’t care what is planted; it simply returns whatever is sown. This highlights the critical importance of consciously choosing to cultivate positive and constructive thoughts in order to reap a successful and fulfilling life.
What is the “30-Day Action Idea” prescribed by Earl Nightingale and what does it entail?
The 30-Day Action Idea is a challenge to deliberately focus your thoughts on your specific, worthwhile goal for 30 consecutive days. It includes the following steps: 1. Write down your goal on a card and carry it with you, reviewing it several times a day, thinking about it positively and believing it is already yours. 2. Replace any fearful or negative thoughts with a mental picture of your positive goal. 3. Focus on providing quality and quantity of service to others.
The aim is to create a new habit of positive thinking and goal-oriented focus, gradually transforming your mindset and aligning your actions with your desired outcome.
What is more important: Money or Service?
According to Nightingale, service is more important. Success is in direct proportion to our service. People must earn money. He uses an analogy: you’ve got to put the fuel in before you can expect heat. Likewise, we’ve got to be of service first before we can expect money.
How can I start applying “The Strangest Secret” today?
Begin by identifying a clear and worthwhile goal that you genuinely desire. Write it down and consciously focus your thoughts on it throughout the day. Replace negative or fearful thoughts with positive visualizations of achieving your goal. Commit to providing value and service to others. Take action, even small steps, towards your goal each day. Consistency and persistent focus are key to reaping the rewards of “The Strangest Secret.”

The Strangest Secret: A Study Guide

Quiz

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

According to Earl Nightingale, what percentage of people starting at age 25 achieve financial independence by age 65?
How does Nightingale define success?
What is Rollo May’s view of conformity?
How does Nightingale describe the role of goals in achieving success?
According to Nightingale, what is the key to both success and failure?
How does Nightingale compare the human mind to a farmer’s land?
What paradox does Nightingale present regarding things we value?
In the 30-day action plan, what is the first step one should take?
What should one do when a fearful or negative thought enters the mind, according to Nightingale?
How does Nightingale suggest one should measure success?

Quiz Answer Key

According to Earl Nightingale, only 5% of people starting at age 25 will achieve financial independence by age 65, with only 1% becoming rich and 4% financially independent. A staggering 54% will end up broke and dependent on others.
Nightingale defines success as “the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” In other words, it’s the journey of moving toward a goal that is meaningful and important to the individual.
Rollo May considers conformity to be the opposite of courage. He believes that conformity, or simply following the crowd without questioning, is a primary reason for failure in society.
Nightingale emphasizes that people with goals succeed because they know where they are going. They have a clear direction, while failures believe their lives are determined by external circumstances.
Nightingale states that the key to both success and failure is what we think about, he emphasizes the concept that we become what we think about. Concentrating on worthwhile goals leads to achievement, while dwelling on confusion, anxiety, and fear leads to negative outcomes.
Nightingale compares the human mind to a farmer’s land, suggesting that it will produce whatever is planted in it, whether it be positive or negative. Just like the land, the mind doesn’t care what is planted, but it will faithfully return what is sown.
Nightingale points out the paradox that we often place little value on the things that are given to us freely, such as our minds, bodies, and dreams, while overvaluing things that cost money, which are often replaceable. He suggests that the things we get for free are actually the most priceless and irreplaceable.
In the 30-day action plan, the first step is to write down a specific goal on a card. This card should be carried and reviewed multiple times a day, focusing on positive and relaxed thoughts about achieving the goal.
When a fearful or negative thought enters the mind, one should replace it with a mental picture of their positive and worthwhile goal. This helps to redirect focus and maintain a positive mindset.
Nightingale suggests that success should always be measured by the quality and quantity of service one renders. He believes that earning money is the result of success, and success is directly proportional to the service provided to others.

Essay Questions

Consider these questions in relation to “The Strangest Secret,” drawing upon specific examples and concepts from the text.

Analyze the factors that contribute to the disparity between the aspirations people have at age 25 and their actual achievements by age 65, according to Nightingale.
Explore the relationship between conformity and failure as presented in “The Strangest Secret.” How does conformity hinder personal growth and success?
Discuss the significance of goal setting in achieving success, according to Nightingale. How does having a clear goal impact one’s thoughts, actions, and outcomes?
Examine the concept that “we become what we think about” and its implications for personal development and success. How can one harness the power of thought to shape their reality?
Evaluate the 30-day action plan proposed by Nightingale and discuss its effectiveness in implementing “The Strangest Secret.” What are the potential challenges and benefits of following this plan?

Glossary of Key Terms

Success: The progressive realization of a worthy ideal. It’s not just achieving a goal, but the journey of moving toward a goal that is meaningful to the individual.
Conformity: Acting like everyone else without questioning why or where you are going. It is presented as a barrier to success.
Goals: Clearly defined objectives that provide direction and purpose. Having goals is essential for achieving success and avoiding failure.
The Strangest Secret: The idea that “we become what we think about.” It is the principle that our thoughts shape our reality and determine our success or failure.
Worthy Ideal: A goal or objective that is meaningful, valuable, and personally significant. It is a key component of Nightingale’s definition of success.
Service: Providing value and assistance to others. Success is directly proportional to the service one provides.
Fear: A negative emotion that can hinder progress and prevent the achievement of goals. It should be replaced with positive thoughts and a focus on one’s goal.
30-Day Action Plan: A step-by-step guide to putting “The Strangest Secret” into practice. It involves writing down one’s goal, focusing on positive thoughts, and providing service to others.
Mind (Human): As described by Nightingale, it is an incredibly fertile and mysterious component to the self. It does not care what is planted (either success or failure), but the mind will return what is planted.
Law of Attraction: Implied by Nightingale, use of one’s resources to prosper oneself and others.