Acres of Diamonds

2011 Reprint of 1915 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "Acres of Diamonds" originated as a speech which Conwell delivered over 6,000 times around the world. It was first published in 1890 by the John Y. Huber Company of Philadelphia. The central idea of the work is that one need not look elsewhere for opportunity, achievement, or fortune-the resources to achieve all good things are present in one's own community. This theme is developed by an introductory anecdote, told to Conwell by an Arab guide, about a man who wanted to find diamonds so badly that he sold his property and went off in futile search for them; the new owner of his home discovered that a rich diamond mine was located right there on the property. Conwell elaborates on the theme through examples of success, genius, service, or other virtues involving ordinary Americans contemporary to his audience: "dig in your own back-yard "

Russell H. Conwell, the founder of Temple University in Philadelphia, was described by the great John Wanamaker as ?a student, schoolmaster, lawyer, preacher, organizer, thinker and writer, lecturer, educator, diplomat, and leader of men.? Conwell was also the founder and pastor of Baptist Temple, one of the largest Protestant churches in America during his day and time. He also founded two hospitals in the City of Brotherly Love. His famous "Acres of Diamonds" speech helped countless individuals to come into the knowledge of the meaning of true wealth and how to attain it without getting side