1883–1896: Childhood and Loss
October 26, 1883: Born in the town of Pound, Wise County, Virginia, USA. His mother passed away when Napoleon was just 9 years old. His father later remarried a well-educated woman who encouraged Napoleon to pursue education and writing. Known as a rebellious but intelligent child, he began writing for newspapers at the age of 13.

1897–1907: Early Pursuits in Writing and Law
At 15, he wrote for several local newspapers. He studied law but had to drop out due to financial difficulties. He continued working as a reporter and began connecting with the upper class, entrepreneurs, and influential figures.

1908: Meeting Andrew Carnegie – A Turning Point
While writing for Bob Taylor’s Magazine, he had the chance to interview Andrew Carnegie – the wealthiest industrialist in America at the time. Carnegie challenged Hill to dedicate 20 years of his life to discovering the formula for success from the richest men in America. Hill accepted the unpaid challenge and began a decades-long journey.

1909–1928: 20 Years of Researching the Secrets of Success
Hill interviewed over 500 successful individuals, including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, Alexander Graham Bell, and John D. Rockefeller. He accumulated vast knowledge and philosophies and published The Law of Success (1928) – a 1,000-page book outlining 16 principles of success. He also founded the Golden Rule Magazine and launched personal development courses.

1929–1936: Struggles, Crisis, and Government Advising
Faced financial difficulties following the Great Depression of 1929. Served as an informal advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933–1936. Continued teaching, publishing courses, and promoting self-reliance during challenging times.

1937: Publication of “Think and Grow Rich”
Think and Grow Rich (1937) was published – Hill’s greatest work. It distilled 13 essential success principles. The book sold over 1 million copies in its early years and has now surpassed 100 million copies globally. It became a cornerstone of the “Philosophy of Personal Achievement.”

1938–1944: Personal Crisis and a New Beginning
His marriage ended, and his ex-wife gained most of the book royalties. He started anew in South Carolina, invited by the president of Wofford College. He drafted Your Right to Be Rich and worked on the Dynamite Philosophy project, which was interrupted by World War II.

1945–1960: Collaboration with W. Clement Stone – A Period of Renewal
Invited to collaborate by W. Clement Stone, CEO of an insurance company, after Stone read his book. Together, they co-founded Success Unlimited magazine. Published the notable book Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude (1959). Spread the philosophy of positive thinking to sales teams, students, and businesses.

1961–1970: Final Years and Lasting Legacy
Continued teaching, writing, appearing on television, and speaking at conferences. His motto, “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,” became a global slogan. He passed away on November 8, 1970, leaving behind an immortal philosophical legacy.

After His Death (1971–present): A Living Legacy
His book Outwitting the Devil, written in 1938 but kept hidden, was first published in 2011. The Napoleon Hill Foundation was established to continue spreading his philosophy worldwide. His works remain bestsellers and are regarded as classics in the field of personal development.