Norman Vincent Peale

Norman Vincent Peale (May 31, 1898 - December 24, 1993) was, preacher and author (most notably of The Power of Positive Thinking) and a progenitor of the theory of "positive thinking".

Related Topics:
May 31 - 1898 - December 24 - 1993 - Preacher - Author - Positive thinking

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Peale was born in Bowersville, Ohio and died in Pawling, New York. He was educated at Ohio's Wesleyan University, and Boston University.

Related Topics:
Bowersville, Ohio - Pawling, New York - Ohio - Wesleyan University - Boston University

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In 1932, Peale began to serve as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan, a post he would occupy for 52 years, during which time he became one of New York City?s most famous preachers. During his tenure, the church's membership grew from 600 to over 5,000.

Related Topics:
Pastor - Manhattan - New York City

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In 1945, Dr. Peale, his wife, Ruth Stafford Peale, and Raymond Thornburg, a Pawling, New York businessman founded Guideposts Magazine. For its launch, they raised $1,200 from Frank Gannett, founder of the Gannett newspaper chain, J. Howard Pew, a Philadelphia industrialist and Branch Rickey, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Related Topics:
Gannett - Newspaper - J. Howard Pew - Philadelphia - Branch Rickey - Brooklyn - Dodgers

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Guideposts was designed to be a non-denominational forum for people ? both celebrities and other individuals ? to relate inspirational stories. Today the 48 page magazine is under the direction of Ruth Stafford Peale. Its circulation of 4 million makes it the 13th largest paid-circulation magazine in the United States.

Related Topics:
Circulation - United States

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Though he wrote much -- including 46 "inspirational" books -- The Power of Positive Thinking remains by far his most widely-read work. First published in 1952, it has sold around 20 million copies and translated into 41 different languages. Some of his other best known works include The Art of Living, A Guide to Confident Living, The Tough-Minded Optimist, and Inspiring Messages for Daily Living.

Related Topics:
1952 - Language

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For 54 years, Peale also hosted a weekly radio program -- The Art of Living. Furthermore, it has been claimed that his sermons were mailed to around 750,000 people a month. He was also the subject of a 1964 film -- One Man?s Way.

Related Topics:
Radio - Sermons - 1964 - Film

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In 1947, Peale co-founded -- with educator Kenneth Beebe -- ?The Horatio Alger Association.? This organization aims to recognize and honor Americans who have been successful in spite of difficult circumstances they have faced.

Related Topics:
1947 - Horatio Alger

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Other organizations founded by Peale include the Peale Center, the Positive Thinking Foundation and Guideposts Publications, all of which aim to promote Peale's theories about positive thinking.

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