W. Clement Stone (1902-2002) was a successful businessman, philanthropist and self-help book author.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, W. Clement Stone is a perfect protagonist of a rags-to-riches story. Founder of the Combined Insurance Company, he initially started his career as a newspaper hawker.

When he was just 3, his father died, leaving his family in debt. He sold newspaper to help support the family. At the age of 6, he began hawking newspapers on Chicago’s South side, while his mother worked as a dressmaker. By the time he turned 13, he had his own newsstand. By the time he turned 20, he had his own agency in Chicago – Combined Insurance Company of America. Starting out with merely $100, he went on to found a multi-billion dollar insurance company.

Stone ran $100 into millions with a strong desire to succeed and by putting into practice the principles in the book, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

Stone emphasized using a “Positive Mental Attitude” to succeed. In his last interview, not long before dying, he explained the importance of PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). He said, “A positive mental attitude is necessary for achieving worthwhile success…”

Stone adopted the motto of his mentor, Napoleon Hill, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve (with PMA).” In 1960, he teamed up with Napoleon Hill to author Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude.

He was a great philanthropist who gave over $275 million to charity including civic groups, mental health and Christian organizations.

He died on September 3, 2002 in Evanston, Illinois.

10 Highly Inspirational W. Clement Stone Quotes

1. “Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement.” – W. Clement Stone

2. “Thinking will not overcome fear but action will.” – W. Clement Stone

3. “Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying.” – W. Clement Stone

4. “Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.” – W. Clement Stone

5. “No matter how carefully you plan your goals they will never be more than pipe dreams unless you pursue them with gusto.” – W. Clement Stone

6. “Self-suggestion makes you master of yourself.” – W. Clement Stone

7. “Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything.” – W. Clement Stone

8. “Prayer is man’s greatest power!” – W. Clement Stone

9. “Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.” – W. Clement Stone

10. “To every disadvantage there is a corresponding advantage.” – W. Clement Stone

SEE ALSO: Best THINK AND GROW RICH quotes by Napoleon Hill

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