Outwitting the Devil

April 25, 2011
Lechter (coauthor of Rich Dad, Poor Dad) says this 73-year-old manuscript "provides the keys for each of us to outwit the Devil in our own lives" and chart a course for success. Hill (1883â1970) opens with a compelling memoir of how, as a successful writer, he was asked by Andrew Carnegie to interview top tycoons and distill their knowledge into a philosophy of personal achievement. Hill followed his huge 1937 bestseller, Think and Grow Rich, with this book, which has remained unpublished until now because his wife feared a reaction from organized religion to a book consisting of an interview with the Devil and also in light of world events in the late '30s. Wanting to be addressed as "Your Majesty," the Devil claims that though he controls 98% of all people, "My opponent controls all the positive forces of the world, such as love, faith, hope, and optimism." Asked about churches, he responds, "Do you think I am a fool? Who would keep alive the fear of the Devil if I subdued the churches?" As the devilish dialogue progresses, Satanic schemes and tricks are revealed, while Hill's own observations on success, failure, and human behavior emerge. Many readers will find that Hill's writings still remain relevant today.