Norman Vincent Peale (May 31, 1898 – December 24, 1993) was an American Protestant clergyman, and an author best known for popularizing the concept of positive thinking, especially through his best-selling book The Power of Positive Thinking (1952). He served as the pastor of Marble Collegiate Church, New York, from 1932, leading this Reformed Church in America congregation for more than a half century until his retirement in 1984. Alongside his pulpit ministry, he had an extensive career of writing and editing, and radio and television presentations. Despite arguing at times against involvement of clergy in politics, he nevertheless had some controversial affiliations with politically active organizations in the late 1930s, and engaged with national political candidates and their campaigns, having influence on some, including a personal friendship with President Richard Nixon.
Peale led a group opposing the election of John F. Kennedy for president, saying that "Faced with the election of a Catholic, our culture is at stake." Theologian Ronald Niebuhr responded that Peale was motivated by "blind prejudice," and facing intense public criticism, Peale retracted his statement. He also opposed Adlai Stevenson's candidacy for president because he was divorced, which led Stevenson to famously quip "I find Saint Paul appealing and Saint Peale appalling."Following the publication of Peale's 1952 best seller, his ideas became the focus of criticism from several psychiatric professionals, church theologians and leaders. Peale was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, on March 26, 1984, by President Ronald Reagan. He died at age 95, following a stroke, on December 24, 1993, in Pawling, New York. He was survived by Ruth Stafford, his wife of 63 years, who had influenced him with regard to the publication of The Power in 1952, and with whom he had founded Guideposts in 1945; Ruth died on February 6, 2008, at the age of 101.
Sol turns thousands of years of human wisdom from the world’s spiritual traditions into a totally unique personality profile. To get your own profile, check compatibility with friends and much more, download the Sol App today.
Some of their strengths
Norman Vincent Peale has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Charming, Quick-witted, Energetic, Intelligent, Passionate, Ambitious, and Loyal.
Charming and Quick-witted
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Norman Vincent Peale is someone who is a charming, quick-witted, and energetic person who combines passion and intelligence with an ability to feel what others are feeling and to effectively communicate with them. A person who is charismatic and resourceful.
Strong and Resilient
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Norman Vincent Peale well know them as someone who can be strong, expansive, and stable like a big tree.
Inventive and Clever
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Norman Vincent Peale as someone who is flexible, intelligent, and quick-witted.
A person who likes to be creative, and to be recognized for their artistic talents. Who possesses intelligence, mental discipline, and ambition, and who does well in relationships and partnerships.
Realistic and Skillful
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Norman Vincent Peale is someone who is able to separate emotions from reality, see the world in terms of right or wrong, and who is very good at getting things done.
They are also someone who is patient, assertive, and who is a natural leader that likes to help others in need.
Logical and Reasonable
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Norman Vincent Peale tends to be someone who is understanding, logical, and reasonable. Who can be intellectual and intuitive, speak the truth at any cost, be witty and sociable, and live life to its fullest.
Some of Norman Vincent Peale's challenges
While Norman Vincent Peale has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Norman Vincent Peale can be Hypocritical, Self-centered, Hesitant, Narcissistic, Unfocused, Indecisive, and Worrying.
Hypocritical and Self-centered
One of Norman Vincent Peale's key challenges is that they are someone who can be perceived as hypocritical and self-centered.
Norman Vincent Peale must also exercise caution as they can have difficulty dealing with responsibility, authority, or criticism.
Unfocused and Indecisive
Norman Vincent Peale is someone who can be scattered, restless, and insensitive, be distracted by fluctuating professional interests, be a workaholic, and who can be arrogant and have difficulty accepting advice.
Indecisive and Distracted
Finally, Norman Vincent Peale also can have a hard time staying focused and can easily become restless.
