Napoleon Hill was a famous self-help author and motivational speaker who wrote the best-selling book Think and Grow Rich in 1937. He claimed to have interviewed hundreds of successful people and distilled their secrets into a universal formula for achievement. He also said he was an adviser to presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and a friend of Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison. But how much of his story was true, and how did he die?
Contents
The Controversy Surrounding Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill’s life and work have been the subject of much controversy and criticism. Many historians and journalists have questioned the validity of his claims, such as that he met Carnegie and other famous figures, that he was a lawyer, and that he had a PhD from a reputable university. Some have even accused him of being a conman who fabricated his interviews, plagiarized his books, and cheated his followers out of money. According to Gizmodo, he was “the most famous conman you’ve probably never heard of” .
Hill’s personal life was also marred by scandals and tragedies. He married five times, had several affairs, and fathered at least four children out of wedlock. He was involved in several lawsuits, bankruptcies, and fraud charges. He also lost two of his sons: one died in infancy, and another committed suicide after being accused of embezzlement.
The Mystery of Napoleon Hill’s Death
Napoleon Hill died on November 8, 1970, at the age of 87. His official cause of death is unknown, as no autopsy was performed and no death certificate was issued. However, some clues can be found in his biographies and video footage of his later years.
According to his official biography by the Napoleon Hill Foundation , Hill suffered from a stroke in 1962 that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. He recovered enough to resume his writing and speaking activities, but his health deteriorated over time. He moved to South Carolina in 1966 with his fifth wife Annie Lou Norman, who cared for him until his death.
Some video recordings of Hill’s speeches and interviews show that he had symptoms consistent with Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty speaking. According to Richtopia , these symptoms suggest that he had “Parkinsonian tremors including pill rolling tremors”.
It is possible that Hill died of complications from his stroke or Parkinson’s disease, or from another illness such as pneumonia or heart failure. However, without a medical examination or a reliable source, the exact cause of his death remains a mystery.
The Legacy of Napoleon Hill
Despite the controversies and criticisms surrounding Napoleon Hill’s life and work, he remains one of the most influential self-help authors of all time. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have inspired countless people to pursue their dreams and goals. His philosophy of success has been adopted by many entrepreneurs, leaders, coaches, and celebrities. His quotes and principles are still widely quoted and taught today.
Napoleon Hill’s legacy is not without controversy either. Some critics argue that his philosophy is simplistic, unrealistic, or even harmful. They claim that it promotes a materialistic view of success, ignores the role of luck and privilege, blames the poor for their poverty, and encourages selfishness and greed. They also point out the flaws and failures in Hill’s own life as evidence of his hypocrisy or incompetence.
However, some supporters defend Hill’s legacy as a positive and empowering one. They argue that his philosophy is not about money or fame, but about finding one’s purpose and passion in life. They claim that it acknowledges the challenges and obstacles that one may face, but also offers hope and guidance to overcome them. They also point out the achievements and contributions that Hill made in his own life as evidence of his sincerity and wisdom.
Napoleon Hill’s cause of death may never be known for sure, but his impact on the world is undeniable. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his philosophy, one cannot deny that he was a self-help legend who changed many lives with his words.