Why was Russell Conwell, the founder of Temple University, referred to as the penniless millionaire? This, along with other questions, will be answered in this revolutionary book that contains Conwell's classic Acres of Diamonds message. You will discover how this lawyer, minister, writer, lecturer, educator, and diplomat who represented the City of Brotherly Love left a legacy that is still changing countless lives today. His famous Acres of Diamonds message will also challenge you to seek opportunities to find true wealth right in your own backyard without getting sidetracked by selfishness and greed. The same principles that transformed Russell Conwell into one of the most charitable millionaires during his time, will also revolutionize your life as you read his timeless message contained in this book.
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"Based on a speech originally given as a lecture to raise money for what would become Temple University, this parable about seeing the riches around you can help give you a new perspective. Short and powerful (the book is much like "Who Moved My Cheese" in that it is brief, but contains an important lesson told in the form of a story) "Acres of Diamonds" will force you to take a new look at your own backyard when looking for opportunity. The basic story revolves around a Persian farmer who loses his life and significant wealth looking for a mine of diamonds when, ironically, his own farm land (which he sold to finance his search for diamonds) literally contained acres of diamonds. Conwell gives several other examples of similar stories revolving around gold, oil, etc. The grass isn't always greener on the other side...don't discount where you are, what you know and the relationships that you already have too quickly. Rambles a bit, but it's still a great story with a timeless message."
— Chris (4 out of 5 stars)
" Good advice in knowing and using the resources all around you. "
— Don, 2/9/2014" It's right under your nose! "
— Tim, 1/27/2014" What an amazing person Russell Conwell was. If you have a respect for American History and for personality traits needed to succeed in life - this is THE book for you. "
— Michael, 1/21/2014" Great story. I love the force with which he taught about opportunities. His lessons are simple yet powerful. "
— Thomas, 1/15/2014" Opportunities are right on your doorstep, you don't have to look far to get them. Start from what you enjoy doing, give your best to it and in the end you'll be able to gather your own diamonds. "
— Amy, 1/10/2014" The road to wealth is to be true to your calling and to serve a genuine need in your community. "
— Shannon, 12/18/2013" A great inspiring book to read. I am never tired of re-reading this. Simple and fundamental truths to living. "
— Jellyfish, 12/7/2013" Often we go searching for acres of diamonds without realizing we were sitting on it all along. "
— Jessie, 12/4/2013" The format is kind of weird as a book, because it was originally written as a speech - but the content is great. "
— Shannon, 11/12/2013" Good read. Conwell was a real forward thinking man who found varying ways to make a very common sense point. "
— Mark, 11/9/2013" Loved this inspirational book! Inspiring and motivational...uplifting and such an example for more of us to follow. "
— Brenda, 10/22/2013" What you are looking for might be right in front of you. "
— Dan, 9/26/2013" The only good part of this book is the opening story. "
— Peter, 8/31/2013" Conwell's message: To be great, begin where you are. "
— Andd, 8/3/2013" I found the book challenging to read due to font size and layout, but once I committed to it, I found many valuable nuggets. Russell Conwell was a fascinating man, and I am glad to now know a bit about him and his noble work. "
— Lisa, 7/21/2013" Many a good part within this book outshines the rocky rubble that lingers also therein. "
— Eric, 6/14/2013" The famous lecture by Russell Conwell that generated the funding to start Temple University. Very aptly demonstrates how opportunities are laid out before us if we only look for them. "
— doug, 6/8/2013" Read this over the weekend, found it to be insightful; however, it read like so many of the later business success books. The difference was that it had a christian perspective on success. Thought provoking. "
— Lux, 5/20/2013" Your pot of gold may be right under your feet...so don't look too far on the horizon for your happiness! Quick read! Keep it by your toilet and you can finish it in four or five number 2's. "
— Tommy, 3/19/2013" "Begin where you are and with what you are." Be great. "Right here. Right now. " Insightful and inspiring. "
— Kelley, 3/15/2013" Book content is basically the inspirational lecture/speech that the author regularly presented to audiences early in the twentieth century. Well done motivational presentation. "
— Vic, 2/27/2013" Meh. Interesting ideals, so so stories, less than stellar delivery. "
— Nicole, 2/10/2013
Russell Herman Conwell (1843–1925) was a Baptist minister, orator, philanthropist, lawyer, and writer. He was the founder and first president of Temple University in Philadelphia and is the author of Acres of Diamonds.
Bert DeCoy is an expressive voice talent using his clear vocal quality to please listeners world-wide. When not behind the microphone, he enjoys cooking, films, playing drums, and reading as much as possible. Bert DeCoy lives in the Seattle area with his wife and son.