The Power of Positive Thinking Happiness," published in 1950, and "Inspiring Messages for Daily Living", published in 1955. "The Power of Positive Thinking" appeared at a time when Christian church attendance was drastically increasing, national views of spirituality, individuality, and religion were shifting, and the Cold War was a growing concern for many Americans. These factors, as well as Peale's growing popularity as a motivational public figure and the book's clear prose, propelled "The Power of Positive Thinking" into a self-help book still popular today. Peale begins by stating ten rules for “overcoming inadequacy attitudes and learning to practice faith”. The rules include the following:
The Power of Positive Thinking that go wrong in our lives). Peck defines sound mental health as “a dedication to reality at all costs”. This includes tolerance for delayed gratification, the pain of problem-solving, and the willingness and ability to take responsibility for mistakes. Peck's groundbreaking 1979 bestseller, "The Road Less Traveled", clarifies that pain is unavoidable; it is when people seek to avoid all pain that results in greater pain and an inability to grow mentally and spiritually. While Peale's work emphasizes the great value in focusing on the positive rather than the negatives in life he also preached honesty, hard work, and taking