Norman Vincent Peale

Norman Vincent Peale was an influential American minister and author who popularized the concept of positive thinking.

Born in Ohio in 1898, he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and Boston University School of Theology.

Initially ordained as a Methodist minister, Peale later joined the Reformed Church in America.

He served as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan for 52 years, growing its membership from 600 to over 5000.

Peale's most famous work, "The Power of Positive Thinking," published in 1952, became a bestseller and launched the self-help genre.

His blend of psychology and religion aimed to help people overcome personal problems and achieve success through faith and optimism.