The Power of Positive Thinking The Power of Positive Thinking The Power of Positive Thinking is a self-help book by Norman Vincent Peale, originally published in 1952. It makes use of positive case histories and practical instructions to propose the method of positive thinking. Peale's work describes how to achieve a permanent and optimistic attitude through unending positive conscious thought, usually through affirmations or visualizations. Peale writes that such techniques will give the reader a higher satisfaction and quality of life. Though negatively reviewed by scholars and health experts, "The Power of Positive Thinking" became popular in public opinion when first published and continues in
The Power of Positive Thinking also condemned Peale's methods in his book, "Authentic Happiness". He writes that, “positive thinking often involves trying to believe upbeat statements such as 'Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better,' in the absence of evidence, or even in the face of contrary evidence.” Seligman continues his critique saying, “if you can manage the feat of actually believing these sorts of statements, more power to you. Many educated people, trained in skeptical thinking, cannot manage this kind of boosterism.” Similarly, Donald Meyer, in his book "The Positive Thinkers", critiques the effectiveness of Peale's techniques saying that Peale always