In an era when many Americans would pack public halls to hear speeches given by the greatest citizens of their day, Russell Conwell read his world-famous lecture hundreds of times, and used the income he earned delivering it to found a small seminary to train Baptist ministers. That school soon grew into Temple University, one of the first universities to offer affordable education to working-class Americans: it stands today as the most visible example of Russell Conwell’s legacy and vision.

There are a multitude of gems to mine from Russell Conwell’s words, no matter what your walk of life. “Acres of Diamonds” remains a significant – and inspirational – lesson about where the true riches of life may be found.

Author note: Russell H. Conwell (1843-1925) was a lawyer, Baptist minister, decorated Civil War officer, and founder of Temple University, which is now the largest post-graduate training institute in the United States. Russell F. Weigley is Professor Emeritus of History at Temple University, and a nationally renowned military historian.

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