To sum up the final tally, and show how important our systems of organized capital are to the affordability of life, and possibility of wealth, Napoleon Hill offered the following summation.
Millions And Billions
The sum of money required for the building and maintenance of highways, railroads, delivery trucks, and cargo ships used in the delivery of that simple breakfast is so huge that it staggers the imagination. It runs into hundreds of millions, billions of dollars, not to mention the armies of trained employees required to man the ships, trucks, and trains. But, transportation is only a part of the requirements of modern civilization in a capitalistic society. Before there can be anything to haul, something must be grown from the ground, or manufactured and prepared for market. This calls for more millions and billions of dollars for equipment, machinery, boxing, marketing, and for the wages of millions of men and women.
Capitalist Traits
Cargo ships, roadways, bridges, and railroads do not spring up from the earth and function automatically. They come in response to the call of civilization, through the labor and ingenuity and organizing ability of men who have imagination, faith, enthusiasm, decisions, and persistence! These men are known as capitalists. They are motivated by the desire to build, construct, achieve, render useful service, earn profits and create wealth. And, because they render service without which there would be no civilization, they put themselves in the way of great amounts of money.
Just to keep the record simple and understandable, we’ll add that these capitalists are the self-same men of whom most of us have heard politicians and others denounce. They are the same men to whom radicals and dishonest politicians refer to as “predatory interests,” or “Wall Street.”
The Purpose Of It All
This is not an attempt to present a brief for or against any group of people or any system of economics. This is not an attempt give a clean bill of health to all individuals known as capitalists.
The purpose of this book—A purpose to which the author faithfully devoted over a quarter of a century—is to present to all who want it the knowledge, the most dependable philosophy through which individuals may accumulate riches in whatever amounts they desire.
Building Your Wealth
Napoleon Hill was offering us a couple of lessons in this part of his book, Think and Grow Rich. First, he was showing us how (as we talked about before) each of us rely on one another. Secondly, he is driving home the point that there is no shame in being motivated to build, succeed, and be wealthy; in fact, the very systems of our world depend on people like you!
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
Aussie Internet Marketer © 2004 – 2010
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
The message I take from this post is to use my wealth for the betterment of society which, in return, will add to my wealth. And so the cycle continues.
Wal
Wal from Positive Self Empowerment´s last blog ..Profile
I am not sure if in todays Wall Street there are capitalists in this constructive sense, or if there are more “opportunists” who make money without actually creating anything. I am not sure if the majority there still possess the “Capitalist traits” that are mentioned above.
Renee´s last blog ..Who’s the boss – start taking control
Hi Sean, It makes sense that creating wealth can benefit more people than just the person who is becoming wealthy. Also, that this person also can not create wealth on his or her own or without helping other people. Sounds good!
I think creating wealth for yourself will in the natural flow of things benefit many others, when your wealth increases those close to you, your family, your friends and those who work for you all benefit, when they too follow the principles in the book Think and Grow Rich therefore in a flow on effect many others will also see the rewards.
i think it takes a team to make wealth. It’s funny when you see “Self Made Millionaire” because its actually of team of like minded people that get together in life that helps you to be wealthy. Another great point – “Secondly, he is driving home the point that there is no shame in being motivated to build, succeed and be wealthy; in fact, the very systems of our world depend on people like you!” = i actually think its selfishness not to be creating wealth, because then you are depending on the government and tax payers to support you. That is not right.
Lisa Wood´s last blog ..Its Meant To Be
Hi Sean,
I don’t think there should be any shame attached to wanting to be successful and wealthy. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to ensure that your family is taken care of financially. In fact, I think this is the most responsible position rather than to allow the Government to provide for you and your family.
The world needs capitalists and it will be up to each of us to decide how we handle our wealth. I think with wealth comes responsibility, not only to our families but also, to society. Case in point, Haiti, New Orleans, cancer research, homelessness…. the list is endless. I can do more good with money than without.