The last several examples of struggle are exemplified once and for all in the culminating story at the end of the second chapter of the book. You are about to be given one final example of overcoming adversity, and to be introduced to a very important person in Napoleon Hill’s life.
Desire Outwits Mother Nature
As a fitting culmination to this chapter, Hill introduces “one of the most unusual persons” he says he has ever known. Hill first saw him a few minutes after he was born. He was born without any physical sign of ears, and the doctor admitted, after being pressed for an opinion, that the child might be deaf and mute for life. For the rest of the story, we’ll hear what Hill’s words had to say…
“I challenged the doctor’s opinion. I had the right to do so; I was the child’s father. I, too, reached a decision, and rendered an opinion, but I expressed the opinion silently, in the secrecy of my own heart. I decided that my son would hear and speak. Nature could send me a child without ears, but Nature could not induce me to accept the reality of the affliction.
“In my own mind I knew that my son would hear and speak. How? I was sure there must be a way, and I knew I would find it. I thought of the words of the immortal Emerson, “The whole course of things goes to teach us faith. We need only obey.
“There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening, we shall hear the right word.”
“The right word? Desire! More than anything else, I desired that my son should not be a deaf mute. From that desire I never receded, not for a second.
Can Desire Overcome A Physical Disability?
This is one of those times in the book where people who are not of a mind to really believe will probably huff and close the pages. But it is also a pivotal point in the book, because it gives solid proof of the level of adversity that can be overcome when you put your desire and focus behind your life-efforts.
So what of it? Was this disability overcome? Was Hill capable of stretching his desire and determination that far? You’ll have to come back (or download the book) to find out. I’ve never been one to give away an ending.
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
SeanRasmussen.com © 2004 – 2008
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Yes – Another healthy dose of inspiration!
Thanks Super Sean
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This is such an inspiring story. It’s always cool to see people overcoming challenges that would break many others. I’m reading an excellent book right now, Wrestling With the Goddess, by Azeem Kayum in which he tells his story of how he has overcome physical and mental challenges to become a speaker and inspiration to many.