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Early Life and Career

Earl Nightingale was born on July 18, 1921, in Los Angeles, California, to a family of modest means. He grew up in a tough neighborhood, but his parents encouraged his love of learning and helped him develop a strong work ethic. Nightingale's early life experiences would later influence his message of overcoming adversity and achieving success.

Nightingale began his career in radio in the 1940s, working as a disc jockey and announcer for various radio stations in Los Angeles. He eventually landed a job as a host for the popular radio show "The Jack Benny Program", which helped him develop his on-air personality and delivery style.

The Strangest Secret

In the early 1960s, Nightingale was approached by a record producer who wanted him to create a motivational recording that would inspire people to improve their lives. Nightingale's response was to record a 3-minute audio message that would become known as "The Strangest Secret".

The recording is a simple, yet powerful message that reads:

"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. You can have anything in life that you desire, if you just change your perspective and focus your attention on what you really want to achieve. Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can be brought into reality."

Nightingale's message was centered around the idea that people have the power to change their lives through positive thinking, visualization, and determination. He believed that by changing one's perspective and focusing on what they wanted to achieve, people could overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Success and Impact

"The Strangest Secret" became an overnight success, selling over 50 million copies worldwide. The recording was released on vinyl records, cassette tapes, and later, compact discs. It was also syndicated to radio stations and television programs, reaching a wide audience.

Nightingale's message resonated with people from aLL walks of life, and his recording became a cultural phenomenon. He was hailed as a motivational speaker, author, and guru, and his work inspired a new generation of personal development enthusiasts.

Books and Other Works

Nightingale wrote several books on personal development and motivation, including:

  • "The Strangest Secret" (1960)
  • "Develop a Winning Attitude" (1964)
  • "The Power of Positive Thinking" (1964) (co-authored with Norman Vincent Peale)
  • "The Art of Living" (1965)

He also created a series of audio recordings, including "The Earl Nightingale Show", which featured his guidance on topics such as goal-setting, motivation, and personal growth.

Legacy

Earl Nightingale passed away on September 25, 1989, at the age of 68, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world. His message of positive thinking, visualization, and determination has been widely adopted, and his work has influenced many notable figures, including Tony Robbins, BOB Proctor, and Jim Rohn.

Nightingale's impact on the personal development industry is still felt today, and his recordings continue to be widely popular and influential. His message of hope, inspiration, and empowerment has helped millions of people around the world to improve their lives and achieve their goals.

Vanity Fair Article and Legacy

In 2019, an article was published in Vanity Fair titled "The Secret to Earl Nightingale's Success" which explored Nightingale's life, work, and legacy in more detail. The article highlighted Nightingale's unique approach to personal development, which emphasized the power of positive thinking and visualization.

Overall, Earl Nightingale's legacy continues to inspire people around the world to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. His message of hope, inspiration, and empowerment remains as relevant today as it was when he first began sharing his ideas with the world.