We desire success almost as much as we need to breathe. From the moment we are born we want to do more, get more, be more. While we may have a mental picture of success as striving hard toward perfection, in truth it is more natural. Success can be described as the courage to let out the potent dreams and potentialities already in us, simply to give them air. Most people don’t do this because it seems dangerous, it is not routine. Yet those who have gone this way do see it simply as the normal path of life. It feels more like home, a place that should be everyone’s experience.

Sometimes the urge for more is drummed out of us by upbringing or culture, so you may have felt compelled to lower your expectations and settle for a less extraordinary life. If, however, you have recently resurrected your desire to succeed, this book is for you.

From the inspirational rags-to-riches stories of such entrepreneurs as Andrew Carnegie, Warren Buffett, and Sam Walton to the life lessons of role models Sir Ernest Shackleton, Eleanor Roosevelt and Nelson Mandela, 50 SUCCESS CLASSICS goes back to the basics to find the classic books on staying true to ourselves and fulfilling our potential. Practical yet philosophical, sensible yet stimulating, the 50 all-time classic books featured here span biography and business, psychology and ancient philosophy, exploring the rich and fertile ground of books that have helped millions of people achieve prosperity in their work and personal lives.