Earl Nightingale

Earl Nightingale – Life, Work, and Inspirational Wisdom

Learn about Earl Nightingale (1921–1989), American radio speaker, author, and motivational pioneer. Explore his biography, key ideas—especially The Strangest Secret—legacy, personality, and memorable quotes that continue to inspire millions.

Introduction

Earl Nightingale (March 12, 1921 – March 25, 1989) was a foundational figure in the self-improvement and motivational speaking movement in the 20th century. Often called the “Dean of Personal Development,” he shaped the way people think about success, mindset, goal-setting, and the power of one’s thoughts. His most famous work, The Strangest Secret, encapsulated his belief that “we become what we think about.”

Early Life and Family

Earl Clifford Nightingale V was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 12, 1921.

Growing up under such conditions, Nightingale became deeply curious about what causes success and adversity. He used the local public library to read widely—seeking to understand why some people succeed while others struggle.

Youth, Education & Military Service

At age 17, Nightingale enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

After the war, Nightingale transitioned into broadcasting and radio work, combining his speaking talent with his interest in human potential.

Career and Achievements

From Radio to Motivation

In the 1950s, Nightingale worked in radio, and was the voice of Sky King, a radio adventure series, during its early period.

A pivotal moment came when he read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Inspired by that reading, he considered how the principles in that book might be applied to everyday life—and his thinking began to crystallize around the idea that a person’s dominant thoughts shape their outcomes.

In 1956, Nightingale recorded The Strangest Secret, a spoken-word message in which he declared:

“We become what we think about.”

This recording became enormously popular—it sold over one million copies, becoming one of the first spoken-word recordings to achieve Gold Record status.

Nightingale-Conant and Syndicated Programs

As demand for his motivational messages grew, Nightingale partnered with Lloyd Conant to co-found Nightingale-Conant Corporation, which specialized in audio programs and self-improvement materials.

He produced and hosted the daily radio program Our Changing World, which became one of the most widely syndicated personal-development broadcasts globally.

He also published his first book, Earl Nightingale’s Greatest Discovery, in 1987.

Honors and Recognition

During his life, Nightingale received several notable honors:

• In 1976, he won the Golden Gavel Award from Toastmasters International.

• He was inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame.

• He also entered the National Radio Hall of Fame for his contributions to broadcasting.

Historical Milestones & Context

Earl Nightingale’s career matured in the post–World War II era, a time when new mass media (radio, later audio recordings) provided fertile ground for the dissemination of motivational ideas. He is often considered one of the early pioneers of the self-help movement in the U.S. His message—anchored in individual responsibility, mindset, and goal orientation—resonated especially in a period of American optimism, expansion, and cultural interest in personal success.

His Strangest Secret message, focusing on the power of thought, prefigured later developments in positive psychology and personal development industries.

Legacy and Influence

Earl Nightingale’s influence remains visible in multiple arenas:

• Nightingale-Conant continues to publish motivational and personal-development content, preserving his legacy.

• Many contemporary motivational speakers, coaches, and authors cite Nightingale as a foundational influence.

• His central tenet—that our dominant thoughts shape our lives—has become a staple in motivational literature and self-improvement thinking.

• His broadcasts and audio programs are still used globally to inspire individuals toward self-mastery and goal achievement.

Because he combined mass media with a consistent message over decades, Nightingale helped lay the structural and philosophical groundwork for the self-help / “personal growth” industry.

Personality and Character

Earl Nightingale was known as thoughtful, disciplined, and deeply curious. He did not present himself as a flamboyant guru, but rather as someone who explored, distilled, and communicated principles of success with humility. His early life of hardship grounded him in realism; his dedication to continuous learning and broadcasting shaped a life of service through ideas.

He believed strongly in personal responsibility—rather than blaming circumstances, he argued people can control their responses and direct their lives through disciplined thoughts and actions.

He also valued consistency: he dedicated decades to producing daily broadcasts, refining his message, and extending his reach through media and audio recordings.

Famous Quotes of Earl Nightingale

Below are some of his most cited and impactful quotes:

“We become what we think about.” “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” “People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.” “Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now.” “Our attitude toward life determines life’s attitude toward us.” “Excellence always sells.” “Whenever we’re afraid, it’s because we don’t know enough. If we understood enough, we would never be afraid.” “You are, at this moment, standing, right in the middle of your own ‘acres of diamonds.’”

These quotations reflect Nightingale’s emphasis on mindset, goal clarity, attitude, fear, and choice—all central pillars in his philosophy.

Lessons from Earl Nightingale

1. Guard your thoughts. What occupies your mind tends to manifest in your life.

2. Set clear goals. Having a target gives direction and purpose.

3. Persistence matters. Even long journeys are traversed one step at a time.

4. Attitude shapes experience. A positive outlook influences not just internal states but how external life unfolds.

5. Take responsibility. Don’t blame circumstances—respond and shape your life.

6. Consistency and service. Reaching others through reliable effort and message brings lasting influence.

Conclusion

Earl Nightingale’s life is a testament to how ideas, broadcast consistently and with clarity, can transform lives. He turned his early adversities into fuel for a lifelong mission: helping people to understand that success is not some remote prize—but the result of disciplined thinking, purpose, and self-direction.

His message—that “we become what we think about”—continues to echo across generations of motivational thought and practice. I can also help you dive deeper into The Strangest Secret, his audio programs, or analyses of his philosophy if you like.