Thinking Differently for West Virginia's Economic Prosperity: Lessons from Senator Jennings Randolph and Napoleon Hill

Business Matters?

by Jim Matuga

March 1, 2024

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In the crisp, early days of January this year, I found myself once again delving into the pages of Napoleon Hill's timeless 1937 work, "Think and Grow Rich," a book that has earned its place as a cornerstone of self-help literature. This time, however, amidst the familiar passages about the power of positive thinking and the formula for success, a significant connection dawned on me—an important link between Hill and one of West Virginia's most esteemed political figures, U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph. This revelation was not just a fleeting thought but a profound realization of the intertwined legacies of two men whose ideas and principles have the potential to inspire a renaissance in West Virginia's approach to economic prosperity.

I believe it's time for West Virginia to "Think Differently" about economic prosperity, drawing inspiration from two influential figures: Randolph and Hill.

Senator Jennings Randolph, a son of West Virginia, served his state and nation with distinction, embodying the spirit of public service and commitment to improvement. Napoleon Hill, though hailing from a small town in Southwest Virginia, near the West Virginia border, became one of the most celebrated self-help authors, with "Think and Grow Rich" influencing countless individuals to achieve personal and professional success. Dr. Hill's work stands as a monument to individual achievement and is the cornerstone of modern motivation.

An important thing to remember, is that “Think and Grow Rich” was published in 1937, during The Great Depression. That era was the longest and deepest economic downturn in the United States and the modern industrial economy and lasted more than a decade from 1929 – 1941.

A pivotal connection between these two men is a letter from Randolph included in Hill's book. The letter can be found in the “Introduction” to the book. In this letter, Randolph credits Hill’s 1922 commencement address to Salem College, of which Randolph was a member of the graduating class.?Hill writes: “Almost fifteen years ago, I delivered the Commencement Address at Salem College, Salem, West Virginia. I emphasized the principle described in the next chapter (DESIRE), with so much intensity that one of the members of the graduating class definitely appropriated it, and made it a part of his own philosophy. The young man is now a Member of Congress, and an important factor in the present administration. Just before this book went to the publisher, he wrote me a letter in which he so clearly stated his opinion of the principle outlined in the next chapter, that I have chosen to publish his letter as an introduction to that chapter. It gives you an idea of the rewards to come.” (Entire letter is in Appendix of this article)

EXERPT: “In that address, you planted in my mind an idea which has been responsible for the opportunity I now have to serve the people of my state, and will be responsible, in a very large measure, for what success I may have in the future,” Randolph wrote.? He endorses Hill's philosophy of hard work, positive thinking, and the belief in one's ability to achieve greatness. This endorsement is not merely a nod to personal development but a beacon for economic reimagining. Randolph's words, "There are thousands of people today who would like to know how they can convert ideas into money…" resonate deeply with the hard-working ethos of West Virginia. They remind us that the principles guiding personal success are equally applicable to collective economic prosperity.

West Virginia's economy, historically reliant on coal, faces significant challenges in an era of environmental concerns and renewable energy. Yet, these challenges also present unprecedented opportunities to diversify and strengthen our economic landscape. Hill's principles of setting clear goals, cultivating a positive mindset, and persevering against odds are not just recipes for individual success but blueprints for statewide economic revitalization.

Embracing Innovation and Diversification

To "Think Differently" about our economic future means embracing innovation and diversification. West Virginia has the potential to be a leader in renewable energy, technology, tourism, and manufacturing. By leveraging our natural resources, not just coal and the extraction industry, but the beauty of our land, and the quality of our people, we can attract investment in technology, eco-tourism and renewable energy projects. Our workforce, known for its resilience and work ethic, can adapt to the demands of new industries with proper training and education.

Investing in Education and Workforce Development

Investing in education and workforce development is crucial. Randolph's commitment to education as a pathway to improvement aligns with Hill's belief in the power of knowledge. By enhancing our educational infrastructure, we can equip West Virginians with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. An example of this type of “different thinking” is the new Renaissance Academy in Monongalia County, a proposed new high school for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Career Technical Education (CTE) and college preparation.

Cultivating a Positive Economic Mindset

Cultivating a positive economic mindset, as advocated by Hill, involves looking beyond immediate challenges to the long-term potential. It requires a collective belief in our ability to change and adapt. Just as Hill believed in the power of thought to shape one's destiny, we must believe in our capacity to reshape West Virginia's economic destiny. Think of it this way:? Mind INTO matter – not mind over matter.

Fostering Community and Collaboration

Fostering community and collaboration is key to economic revitalization. Randolph's career was marked by his efforts to improve the lives of his constituents through collective action. Similarly, we must encourage collaboration between government, business, and communities to create an ecosystem that supports growth and innovation.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As West Virginians, we stand on the shoulders of giants like Jennings Randolph and Napoleon Hill, whose wisdom transcends their time. Randolph's letter in "Think and Grow Rich" is not just a historical footnote but a call to action. It reminds us that the principles of hard work, positive thinking, and unwavering belief in our potential are as relevant to our economic future as they are to personal success. Let’s take the position that life is not happening “to us,” but rather “Life is happening THROUGH US.”

To reimagine West Virginia's economic future, we must draw on our strengths: our great people, our abundant natural resources, and our capacity for innovation. We must set real, ambitious goals, foster an environment that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship and keeps our young people here, and invest in the future through education and infrastructure. For far too long, we have let the negative self-thought, poor government leadership, and the naysayers and ne’er-do-wells chart out future as a state. We must think differently.

"Thinking Differently" about economic prosperity means embracing change, seizing new opportunities, and believing in our collective ability to thrive. It's time for West Virginia to chart a new course, inspired by the legacy of Randolph and Hill, towards a future marked by economic diversity, resilience, and prosperity. Let's think differently, work together, and build a West Virginia that future generations will be proud to call home. It all begins with our mind.

As I continue on my mission to help business leaders succeed across the Mountain State, I want to thank you for your time. If you have any questions or other worthwhile small business topics you’d like to discuss, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected].

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Until next time…

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Jim Matuga is the founder and President of InnerAction Media, a marketing and technology company based in Morgantown, WV. and founder of AI SaaS application StoryMaker.? You can listen to his weekly podcast “Positively West Virginia” on Facebook, LinkedIn, iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. He has extensive experience in leadership positions with West Virginia media companies, including newspapers, TV, cable, direct mail, radio, agency, digital and software development.

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APPENDIX:

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U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph letter to Napoleon Hill just before “Think and Grow Rich was sent to the publisher:?

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My dear Napoleon:

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My service as a Member of Congress having given me an insight into the

problems of men and women, I am writing to offer a suggestion which may

become helpful to thousands of worthy people. With apologies, I must state that the suggestion, if acted upon, will mean several years of labor and responsibility for you, but I am en-heartened to make the suggestion, because I know your great love for rendering useful service.

In 1922, you delivered the Commencement address at Salem College, when I

was a member' of the graduating class. In that address, you planted in my mind an idea which has been responsible for the opportunity I now have to serve the

people of my State, and will be responsible, in a very large 393 measure, for whatever success I may have in the future. The suggestion I have in mind is, that you put into a book the sum and substance of the address you delivered at Salem College, and in that way give the people of America an opportunity to profit by your many years of experience and association with the men who, by their greatness, have made America the richest nation on earth. I recall, as though it were yesterday, the marvelous description you gave of the method by which Henry Ford, with but little schooling, without a dollar, with no influential friends, rose to great heights. I made up my mind then, even before you had finished your speech, that I would make a place for myself, no matter how many difficulties I had to surmount. Thousands of young people will finish their schooling this year, and within the next few years. Every one of them will be seeking just such a message of practical encouragement as the one I received from you. They will want to know

where to turn, what to do, to get started in life. You can tell them, because you

have helped to solve the problems of so many, many people.

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If there is any possible way that you can afford to render so great a service, may

I offer the suggestion that you include with every book, one of your Personal

Analysis Charts, in order that the purchaser of the book may have the benefit of

a complete self-inventory, indicating, as you indicated to me years ago, exactly

what is standing in the way of success. Such a service as this, providing the readers of your book with a complete, unbiased picture of their faults and their virtues, would mean to them the difference between success and failure. The service would be priceless. Millions of people are now facing the problem of staging a come-back, because of the depression, and I speak from personal experience when I say, I know these earnest people would welcome the opportunity to tell you their problems, and to receive your suggestions for the solution.

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You know the problems of those who face the necessity of beginning all over

again. There are thousands of people in America today who would like to know

how they can convert ideas into money, people who must start at scratch,

without finances, and recoup their losses. If anyone can help them, you can.

If you publish the book, I would like to own the first copy that comes from the

press, personally autographed by you.

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With best wishes, believe me,

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Cordially yours,

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JENNINGS RANDOLPH

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