Author David Schwartz (1927-1987) is best known for The Magic of Thinking Big. He was an endowed professor of marketing and chairman of the department at Georgia State University. He also gave lectures and coached private clients. Motivational speaker Tony Robbins and X-Prize Chairman Peter Diamandis have praised the book, and several sports figures and coaches have cited it as part of their success.

Schwartz experienced life challenges. He found that his attitude made the lion’s share of the difference in overcoming problems. Diagnosed with diabetes, Schwartz found that his attitude strongly influenced his health, and that “the biggest damage results from having a negative attitude toward it. Worry about it, and you may have real trouble” (29).

Schwartz published The Magic of Thinking Big at age 32, and the book remains in print decades after his death.