Acres of Diamonds by Russell H. Conwell

Russell Conwell (1843-1925) was an American Baptist minister best remembered as the founder and first president of Temple University and for his inspirational lecture, "Acres of Diamonds" (1913). 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, credited by Conwell to 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 backyard!" 100 years later the messages from Acres of Diamonds still ring true and inspire. A True Inspirational Classic that Belongs on Your Bookshelf!