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Acres of Diamonds
“He most lives who thinks most, who feels the noblest, and who acts the best,”
—from “Acres of Diamonds”
Could one person giving one speech save a dying church, found a university, support a hospital, and change millions of lives? Yes! The man was Russell Conwell and his speech was titled “Acres of Diamonds.” As a young traveling reporter in 1870, Conwell heard a folk tale as he traveled in a camel caravan along the Tigris River. The story told of a Persian farmer who was lured by the stories of riches in faraway places. The farmer deserted his fruitful lands in search of immense wealth. As the years passed, the farmer’s youth and health disappeared, and he died far from his home, a disillusioned pauper. Soon after the farmer’s death, acres of fabulous diamonds were discovered on the property he had abandoned.
That simple parable changed Conwell’s life. He began relating the story to others, telling them, “Your diamonds are not in faraway mountains or in distant seas; they are in your own backyard if you will but dig for them.” Other stories were added to the tale, and Conwell became a sought-after speaker. He believed what he preached, which led him into a life of helping others—including saving a dilapidated Massachusetts church, serving for forty-three years at Philadelphia’s Grace Church, and founding Temple University and Samaritan (now Temple University) Hospital. Around the world, Conwell inspired audiences with his speech and raised money for his causes. By 1925, he had delivered the “Acres” speech more than 6,000 times.
Consider This: People yearn for truths that will give them better and more satisfying lives. A message of inspiration, hope, and optimism never gets old. What messages are you sending to your employees, family, or customers?
Submitted by Richard
“He most lives who thinks most, who feels the noblest, and who acts the best,”
—from “Acres of Diamonds”
Could one person giving one speech save a dying church, found a university, support a hospital, and change millions of lives? Yes! The man was Russell Conwell and his speech was titled “Acres of Diamonds.” As a young traveling reporter in 1870, Conwell heard a folk tale as he traveled in a camel caravan along the Tigris River. The story told of a Persian farmer who was lured by the stories of riches in faraway places. The farmer deserted his fruitful lands in search of immense wealth. As the years passed, the farmer’s youth and health disappeared, and he died far from his home, a disillusioned pauper. Soon after the farmer’s death, acres of fabulous diamonds were discovered on the property he had abandoned.
That simple parable changed Conwell’s life. He began relating the story to others, telling them, “Your diamonds are not in faraway mountains or in distant seas; they are in your own backyard if you will but dig for them.” Other stories were added to the tale, and Conwell became a sought-after speaker. He believed what he preached, which led him into a life of helping others—including saving a dilapidated Massachusetts church, serving for forty-three years at Philadelphia’s Grace Church, and founding Temple University and Samaritan (now Temple University) Hospital. Around the world, Conwell inspired audiences with his speech and raised money for his causes. By 1925, he had delivered the “Acres” speech more than 6,000 times.
Consider This: People yearn for truths that will give them better and more satisfying lives. A message of inspiration, hope, and optimism never gets old. What messages are you sending to your employees, family, or customers?
Submitted by Richard
