Welcome to Season 1, Episode 2 of The Napoleon Hill Journey! The Power of Desire: Barnes and Edison Story (Runtime: 45-60 minutes)
In this episode, discover how Edwin C. Barnes went from having nothing to partnering with Thomas Edison, all thanks to his burning desire.
Key Segments:
Opening Hook:
“Edwin C. Barnes discovered that a burning desire is the starting point of all achievement.”
How did Barnes, with no money or connections, persuade Edison to make him a partner?
Barnes’ Journey:
Barnes arrived at Edison’s lab looking like a vagabond, declaring he wanted to go into business with Edison.
He spent five years doing menial tasks without pay, showing his dedication.
Hill’s observation: “When riches begin to come, they come so quickly… you’ll wonder where they’ve been.”
Transforming Desire into Reality:
6 Steps to Turn Desire into Reality:
Set a specific goal.
Decide what you’ll give in return.
Set a deadline.
Make a plan.
Write it down.
Read it aloud daily.
Barnes visualized his partnership with Edison before it happened.
Edison’s Role:
Edison tested Barnes by giving him tough tasks.
Intense desire activates your brain’s goal-filtering mechanism.
Modern example: Elon Musk working tirelessly during Tesla’s production challenges.
Barnes’ Success:
Barnes turned a rejected invention into a $100M product.
Key Quote: “I had sold myself to Edison before I ever sold his machines.”
Takeaway: Merge desire with expertise to become unstoppable.
Practical Exercise:
Write your goal as if it’s already achieved.
Light a candle while reciting it.
Record a voice memo committing to one daily action.
Share your candle photos with #NoRetreatNoRegret.
Q&A & Listener Stories:
What’s one desire you’d pursue if failure were impossible?
Feature a listener’s success story.
Preview & Closing:
Next Episode: “How belief helped a Tennessee preacher’s son walk on crutches of faith.”
Hill’s warning: “Wishing will not bring riches. But desire, mongerized into obsession… will.”
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