// Book comparison

Ogilvy on Advertising vs Think and Grow Rich

Which should you read? A side-by-side comparison of Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

At a glance

Ogilvy on Advertising Think and Grow Rich
Rating ★ 4.9/5 ★ 4.9/5
Pages 224 238
Reading time ~5.6 h ~6.0 h
Published 1983 1937
Author David Ogilvy Napoleon Hill
Category Marketing & Sales Finance & Investment
Publisher Vintage The Ralston Society

Choose Ogilvy on Advertising if…

  • You're interested in marketing & sales.
  • You want the higher-rated book (4.9/5).
  • You prefer a shorter read (~5.6 hours).
  • You want the more recent perspective (1983).

Choose Think and Grow Rich if…

  • You're interested in finance & investment.

Key takeaways — Ogilvy on Advertising

  • Prioritize Market Research as the foundation of your creative strategy, ensuring that your organization's messaging is based on what actually motivates the consumer to buy.
  • Develop a Big Idea for every campaign—a singular, arresting concept that makes your brand stand out and provides a unified strategic direction for all marketing assets.
  • Focus on Informational Persuasion, recognizing that 'the more you tell, the more you sell,' especially when dealing with high-stakes or complex product offerings.
Read full Ogilvy on Advertising summary →

Key takeaways — Think and Grow Rich

  • Develop a Definite Chief Aim for your organization, ensuring that every strategic decision and resource allocation is aligned with a singular, compelling vision of success.
  • Utilize the Master Mind Principle by surrounding yourself with a diverse group of experts and advisors, creating a collective intelligence that is greater than the sum of its parts.
  • Cultivate Unwavering Persistence, recognizing that the ability to maintain effort through temporary defeats is the primary psychological trait that separates high-achievers from the rest.
Read full Think and Grow Rich summary →

The verdict

If you want the higher-rated, shorter read, start with Ogilvy on Advertising. If you specifically need finance & investment, Think and Grow Rich is the better fit. Both summaries are free — no signup required.

❓ FAQ

Is Ogilvy on Advertising or Think and Grow Rich better? +

Ogilvy on Advertising has the higher reader rating (4.9/5 vs 4.9/5), but "better" depends on your goal. Ogilvy on Advertising focuses on marketing & sales, while Think and Grow Rich focuses on finance & investment. See the verdict below.

Which is shorter, Ogilvy on Advertising or Think and Grow Rich? +

Ogilvy on Advertising is shorter (224 pages, ~5.6 hours) compared to Think and Grow Rich (238 pages, ~6.0 hours).

Should I read Ogilvy on Advertising or Think and Grow Rich first? +

If you want the quicker, higher-rated read, start with Ogilvy on Advertising. Otherwise read whichever matches your current goal — both summaries are free on BookHubs.