Discover one of the most famous motivational speeches in American history, ‘Acres of Diamonds’ by Russell H. Conwell, and read the complete text online for free.
Acres of Diamonds is not a book but a legendary lecture delivered over 6,000 times by Baptist minister and Temple University founder Russell H. Conwell between the 1870s and 1925. The central parable tells of an African farmer who sells his land to search the continent for diamond mines, only to die in poverty. The new owner of the farm discovers a massive diamond mine—the now-famous Kimberley Mine—right in the original farmer’s backyard. The moral: your opportunity for wealth and success is not in some distant place or elusive dream; it lies in developing the resources already within your reach, in your own community, and in your own skills.
Conwell built a timeless motivational message around this story. He urged his audiences (largely composed of aspiring farmers, merchants, and tradespeople) to look for the “acres of diamonds” in their own lives: to improve their farms, to serve their neighbors better, to invent solutions to local problems, and to build honest wealth right where they were. The speech is filled with anecdotes of ordinary people who found fortune by noticing a need and filling it in their own town, from the man who started a successful business selling apples to railway passengers to the woman who made a fortune from a gingerbread recipe.
While its philosophy is rooted in the Protestant work ethic and the “rags to riches” ideology of its era, Acres of Diamonds transcends its time. Its core message—that opportunity often lies in mastering your current circumstances rather than chasing distant fantasies—is a perennial antidote to restlessness and discontent. It is a foundational text of American self-help and positive thinking.
On this page, you can read this iconic piece of Americana. We offer the complete, classic text of the lecture for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Acres of Diamonds |
| Author | Russell H. Conwell |
| Year | Lecture (c. 1870s-1925), published in various forms |
| Genre | Motivational, Self-Help, Speech |
| Language | English (Original) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read Acres of Diamonds Online
Discover the fortune in your own backyard. Begin reading Conwell’s famous lecture interactively below.
This preview introduces the central parable, but the full, inspiring lecture with its many real-life examples and powerful conclusion is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About Acres of Diamonds
The speech’s power lies in its simple, memorable story and its practical, empowering message for the common person.
The Central Parable
The story of the African farmer and the diamond mine is a perfect metaphor. It’s easy to remember and instantly conveys the core idea: we often overlook the value of what we already possess—our land, our relationships, our local market, our own talents—in the pursuit of mythical riches elsewhere.
A Gospel of Wealth and Service
Conwell’s philosophy combines capitalistic ambition with Christian duty. He believed that getting rich was not only acceptable but laudable, if the wealth was earned honestly and used to help others. He famously said, “You ought to be rich. Money is power… to do good.” He saw wealth creation as a form of social service, providing jobs and improving communities.
Practical, Local Advice
The speech is not abstract. Conwell gives concrete advice:
- Look for local needs: What does your town lack? A better store? A needed service?
- Improve what you have: Be a better farmer, a better shopkeeper, a better craftsman than your competition.
- Be observant and inventive: Many fortunes, he argues, were made by people who simply noticed a small problem and solved it.
Historical Context
The speech resonated deeply in post-Civil War America, a time of westward expansion, industrialization, and massive social mobility. It told people they didn’t have to go west to strike gold; they could strike it rich by building up the East. It was a message of hope and agency for millions.
Why Read Acres of Diamonds Today?
In an age of “get rich quick” schemes and the lure of remote work in exotic locales, Conwell’s call to dig deep where you stand is a powerful corrective. It champions mastery, local engagement, and incremental improvement. It’s a reminder that success is often the product of attentive work in your own field, not a lucky strike in a far-off mine.
It is also a fascinating historical artifact, capturing the optimistic, bootstrap ideology that shaped modern America. To read Acres of Diamonds is to be challenged to look at your own life, your own skills, and your own community not as limitations, but as a field full of unseen, valuable gems waiting to be uncovered.
FAQ
Can I read Acres of Diamonds for free?
Yes, you can read the beginning of the lecture for free via our interactive preview. The complete text is available with a subscription.
Did Conwell really give this speech 6,000 times?
Yes, it’s estimated he delivered it over 6,000 times across the United States, using the proceeds to fund Temple University in Philadelphia.
Is the diamond mine story true?
It is based loosely on the discovery of the Kimberley diamond mines in South Africa, though Conwell adapted and simplified it for his parable. The historical details are not precise.
Is this just “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” rhetoric?
It is the quintessential expression of that ideology, but with a strong emphasis on ethical behavior, service to others, and community building. It’s less about ruthless individualism and more about finding success through useful service.
Can I read it on my phone?
Absolutely. It’s a relatively short, straightforward text, perfect for an inspiring read on any device.