The Burning Desire of Edwin C. Barnes to Think and Grow Rich

Part Two of

THE MAN WHO "THOUGHT" HIS WAY INTO PARTNERSHIP WITH

THOMAS A. EDISON

Just what young Barnes said to Mr. Edison on that occasion was far less important than that which he thought. Edison, himself, said so!

It could not have been the young man's appearance which got him his start in the Edison office, for that was definitely against him. It was what he THOUGHT that counted.

If the significance of this statement could be conveyed to every person who reads it, there would be no need for the remainder of this book.

Barnes did not get his partnership with Edison on his first interview. He did get a chance to work in the Edison offices, at a very nominal wage, doing work that was unimportant, Edison, but, most, important to Barnes, because it gave him an opportunity to display his “merchandise” where his intended “partner” could see it.

Months went by. Apparently nothing happened to bring the coveted goal which Barnes had set, up in his mind as his DEFINITE MAJOR PURPOSE.

But something important was happening in Barnes' mind. He was constantly intensifying his DESIRE to become the business associate of Edison.

Psychologists have correctly stated that, “when one is truly ready for a thing, it, appears.”

Barnes was ready for a business association with Edison; moreover, he was DETERMINED TO REMAIN READY UNTIL HE GOT THAT WHICH HE WAS SEEKING.

He did not say to himself, “Ah, well, what's the use? I think I'll change my mind and try for a

salesman's job.” But he did say, “I came here to go into business with Edison, and I'll accomplish this end if it takes the remainder of my life.”

He meant it! What a different story men would have to tell if only they would adopt a DEFINITE PURPOSE and stand by that purpose until it had time to become an all-consuming obsession!

Maybe young Barnes did not know it at the time, but his bulldog determination, his persistence in standing back of single DESIRE, was destined to mow down all opposition, and bring him the opportunity he was seeking.

When the opportunity came, it appeared in a different form and from a different direction than Barnes hod expected. That is one of the tricks of opportunity. It has a sly habit of slipping in by the back door, and often it comes disguised as misfortune or temporary defeat. Perhaps this is why so many fail to recognise opportunity.

Mr. Edison had just perfected a new office device known at that time as the Edison Dictating Machine (now the Ediphone). His salesmen were not enthusiastic over the machine. They did not, believe it could be sold without great effort. Barnes saw his opportunity. It had crawled in quietly, hidden in a queer-looking machine which interested no one but Barnes and the inventor.

Barnes knew he could sell the Edison Dictating Machine. He suggested this to Edison, and promptly got his chance. He did sell the machine. In fact, he sold it so successfully that Edison gave him a contract to distribute and market it all over the nation. Out of that business association grew the slogan, “Made by Edison and installed by Barnes.”

The business alliance has been in operation for more than thirty years. Out of it Barnes has become wealthy, but he has done something infinitely greater —he has proved that one really may “Think and Grow Rich.”

How much actual cash that original DESIRE of Barnes has been worth to him, I have no way of knowing. Perhaps it has brought him two or three hundred thousand pounds, but the amount, whatever it is, becomes insignificant when compared with the greater asset he acquired in the form of definite knowledge that an intangible impulse of thought can be transmuted into its physical counterpart by the application of known principles.

Barnes literally thought himself into a partnership with the great Edison! He thought himself into a fortune. He had nothing to start with, except the capacity to KNOW WHAT HE WANTED, AND THE DETERMINATION TO STAND BY THAT DESIRE UNTIL HE REALISED IT.

He had no money to begin with. He had but little education. He had no influence. But he did have initiative, faith, and the will to win. With these intangible forces he made himself number one man with the greatest inventor who ever lived.  Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich. 1937

The Power of Thought: Burning Desire

The Power of Thought: An Inspiring Lesson from Edwin C. Barnes and Thomas Edison

There is a story that resonates deeply with anyone striving for success, a tale that holds a timeless lesson on determination, faith, and the power of thought. This is the story of Edwin C. Barnes and his partnership with the legendary inventor Thomas Edison. Found within the pages of Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, the account of Barnes' journey to achieving his goal offers valuable insight for those seeking to create success in their own lives. It is a lesson in persistence, cultivating a definite purpose, and, most importantly, understanding that our thoughts can shape our reality.

The Beginning of a Dream

Edwin C. Barnes was not an impressive figure when he first approached Edison. He did not possess money, connections, or even an extensive education. What he did have, however, was an unwavering desire to become a business partner to one of the greatest inventors of the age. This burning desire, combined with a powerful belief in his own potential, set the wheels in motion for a transformation that would ultimately change the course of his life.

It is easy to focus on what Barnes lacked—he had no obvious qualifications to secure a partnership with Edison. However, as Hill points out, Barnes's thoughts were far more important than what he said or how he appeared. Edison himself recognised that it was not Barnes' outward appearance or eloquence that mattered; it was his inner conviction and belief that counted. This highlights one of the key principles of success: the quality of our thoughts determines the outcomes we experience.

The Power of a Definite Purpose

One of the most powerful ideas within Barnes' story is the concept of having a definite major purpose. Barnes did not wander through life hoping for an opportunity to come his way. He knew exactly what he wanted—to go into business with Edison—and he was willing to dedicate his life to achieving this goal. This clarity of purpose is a vital ingredient for success. Too often, people drift through life without a clear sense of direction. They may have vague ambitions, but they lack the laser-focused desire that compels them to take consistent action toward their goals.

When Barnes decided that he would work with Edison, he made it his sole focus. He was not distracted by other potential opportunities or swayed by the challenges he encountered. This kind of single-mindedness is rare, but it is also the reason why so few people achieve extraordinary success. Barnes' story illustrates that when you commit wholeheartedly to a definite purpose and pursue it with relentless determination, obstacles that once seemed insurmountable begin to fade away.

Persistence: The Fuel for Success

Barnes did not become Edison's business partner overnight. In fact, months passed after his first encounter with the inventor, during which time he was employed at a modest wage, doing work that was, in Edison's eyes, insignificant. But Barnes saw this as an opportunity. Even though the work itself was mundane, Barnes recognised that his position gave him the chance to place himself in Edison's sphere. He was biding his time, waiting for the moment when he could demonstrate his value.

This period of waiting might have discouraged many people, but not Barnes. Instead of becoming disheartened by the slow progress, he intensified his desire. This growing desire became the fuel for his persistence, and it is here that another important lesson emerges: when you are truly ready for success, the opportunities will present themselves.

Too often, people give up just when they are on the brink of a breakthrough. They allow temporary setbacks to convince them that their goal is unattainable. But Barnes was different. He refused to let go of his dream, even though it took longer than he initially expected. His persistence was crucial to his eventual success.

As Hill writes, Barnes did not say to himself, "What's the use? I think I'll try something else." Instead, he remained steadfast in his belief, declaring, "I came here to go into business with Edison, and I'll accomplish this end if it takes the remainder of my life."

This unwavering determination mindset separates those who achieve great things from those who do not. The willingness to stay the course, even when the road is tough, is an essential characteristic of successful individuals.

Recognising Opportunity

The opportunity that Barnes had been waiting for finally arrived, but it did not come in the form he had expected. Edison had just invented a new device, the Edison Dictating Machine (later known as the Ediphone), and his sales team was less than enthusiastic about its potential. They believed it would be difficult to sell. However, Barnes saw the device differently. He recognised the opportunity hidden within this unassuming invention, and he seized it.

This is a crucial point in Barnes' journey. Opportunity often arrives disguised as something else. It may come in the form of a challenge, a setback, or a product that others overlook. Too many people fail to recognise these disguised opportunities because they are expecting something grand and obvious. Barnes' story teaches us that we must be open to seeing the potential in every situation, even those that seem unremarkable or unpromising at first glance.

When Barnes approached Edison with his belief that he could sell the dictating machine, Edison gave him the chance to prove it. Barnes did not just sell the machine—he sold it so successfully that he eventually secured a nationwide contract to distribute it.

This business alliance with Edison endured for over thirty years, and Barnes became wealthy as a result. But more than that, Barnes proved the fundamental principle that Hill seeks to convey throughout Think and Grow Rich: that thought can be transformed into material success when combined with a definite purpose and persistence.

The Power of Thought

One of the most profound lessons from Barnes' story is the idea that thought is the starting point for all achievement. Barnes had nothing to begin with except believing he could achieve his goal. He had no money, no education, and no connections. What he did have was an understanding of the power of his own thoughts. He knew what he wanted, and he was determined to achieve it.

This is an empowering idea because it places the power of success firmly in the hands of the individual. You do not need to be born into wealth or possess extraordinary talent to achieve great things.

What you do need is the ability to harness your thoughts and channel them into a definite purpose. Barnes literally thought himself into a partnership with Edison. He proved that an intangible impulse of thought, when combined with the right actions, can be transmuted into tangible success.

Faith and Initiative

Another critical element in Barnes' success was his faith in himself and his initiative. Faith is a powerful force. When you believe in your ability to succeed, you open the door to opportunities that would otherwise remain closed. Barnes believed so strongly in his vision that he was willing to take bold action, even when the odds seemed stacked against him.

His initiative was equally important. Barnes did not wait for an opportunity to present itself on a silver platter. He created the opportunity by placing himself in the right environment and remaining ready to act when the moment came. This combination of faith and initiative is something that every aspiring success seeker can cultivate in their own lives.

The Legacy of Barnes' Determination

The story of Edwin C. Barnes is not just an inspiring tale of rags-to-riches; it is a powerful reminder of the principles that underpin success. Barnes' journey demonstrates the importance of having a definite purpose, maintaining persistence in the face of obstacles, and recognising opportunities when they arise. But the most important lesson is the realisation that our thoughts shape our reality.

Barnes thought his way into a partnership with Edison and into a fortune. He started with nothing but the desire to succeed, and through the power of thought, faith, and determination, he transformed his life. His story is a testament to the idea that we can all think and grow rich if we learn to harness the immense power of our minds.

This lesson can inspire us all, regardless of where we start in life. Our thoughts, when combined with a clear purpose and unwavering persistence, have the potential to create a future beyond what we might currently imagine. The key is to believe in that potential and to act upon it with all the determination we can muster.