Editor’s Note: The following section was originally published on LegacyPyramid.wordpress.com on April 16, 2019. It is reposted here with attribution to the original source.
The Legacy Pyramid is a visual model for a twenty-two part system for multi-generational happiness, success, and prosperity. As discussed in this video some of the most influential works include John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” and Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”/”Laws of Success.”
Editor’s Note: The following section was originally published on LegacyPyramid.wordpress.com on August 4, 2017. It is reposted here with attribution to the original source.
17 Books That Influence The Legacy Pyramid
Don West, Jr.’s Legacy Pyramid is a system for multi-generational happiness, success, and prosperity. The Pyramid integrates the principle of generativity and Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. This ebook explores 17 of the most influential books in the areas of self-improvement, new thought, psychology and success literature. Designed as a DIY reading list for the intellectually curious mindset who wishes to read their way down the path of the Legacy Pyramid.
17 Books That Shaped the Legacy Pyramid™
When I first began sketching out the foundation for what would become the Legacy Pyramid™, I knew it needed to be rooted not only in lived experience, but also in the wisdom of great thinkers, teachers, and leaders. Over the years, a collection of books has consistently challenged my thinking, expanded my vision, and influenced the principles that now make up the 22 steps of the Pyramid.
In 2017, I created a presentation of 17 books that most strongly shaped the Legacy Pyramid. What follows is a narrative reflection on those works, and where each one finds its place within the Pyramid’s design.
The 17 Influential Works and Their Legacy Pyramid Connections
Foundation: Humility & Service
- The Bible – The ultimate guide to humility, service, and moral grounding. It underpins the very base of the Pyramid and its call to live beyond self-interest.
Row 1: Industriousness, Enthusiasm, Definitive Chief Aim, Mastermind, Imagination, Control & Management
- Napoleon Hill – Think and Grow Rich – Directly tied to Definitive Chief Aim and Imagination. Hill’s insistence on clarity of purpose and the power of visualization echo throughout the Pyramid.
- Benjamin Franklin – The Autobiography – Franklin embodies Industriousness and Habit Formation, modeling discipline, thrift, and public service as cornerstones of success.
- John Wooden – Wooden on Leadership – His “Pyramid of Success” directly influenced Industriousness, Enthusiasm, and Competitive Greatness.
- John Maxwell – The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – Anchored in Initiative & Leadership and Iron-Grip Control & Management, Maxwell adds a modern leadership framework.
Row 2: Fitness, Saving, Initiative, Concentration, Accurate Thinking
- Stephen R. Covey – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Aligns with Concentration and Cooperation, teaching proactive living and synergy.
- James Allen – As a Man Thinketh – Connects to Acute & Accurate Thinking, reinforcing that thoughts shape destiny.
- Wallace Wattles – The Science of Getting Rich – Bridges Habit of Saving & Law of Giving with the mindset of abundance.
Row 3: Personality, Cooperation, Intentness, Golden Rule
- Dale Carnegie – How to Win Friends and Influence People – Rooted in Pleasing Personality and Cooperation, this classic shows the value of empathy and human connection.
- James Allen – Byways of Blessedness – A direct reflection of The Golden Rule, emphasizing kindness and moral reciprocity.
- Og Mandino – The Greatest Salesman in the World – Models Persistence and Intentness through daily scrolls and faith in action.
Row 4: Universal Law, Generativity, Competitive Greatness
- Wayne Dyer – The Power of Intention – Maps to Generativity and Universal Law, stressing alignment with the greater flow of life.
- Deepak Chopra – The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – Deepens the connection to Universal Law, offering seven spiritual anchors.
Row 5: Self-Control & Self-Confidence
- Zig Ziglar – See You at the Top – Embodies Self-Confidence, optimism, and personal empowerment.
- Tony Robbins – Awaken the Giant Within – Links to Self-Control and Leadership, with emphasis on mastering state, decisions, and focus.
Peak: Temet Nosce / Know Thyself
- Carl Jung – Memories, Dreams, Reflections – Speaks directly to the pinnacle: Know Thyself. Jung’s work affirms the journey of individuation and self-awareness.
- Paulo Coelho – The Alchemist – Captures the essence of destiny and calling, urging us to listen to the universal signs and pursue our personal legend.
Why These Books Still Matter
Each of these works is not just a standalone piece of wisdom — together, they are the scaffolding of the Legacy Pyramid™.
- Hill, Franklin, and Wooden instilled discipline and structure.
- Covey, Carnegie, and Mandino emphasized relationships, persistence, and cooperation.
- Dyer, Chopra, and Wattles lifted my vision toward spiritual law and abundance.
- Jung and Coelho reminded me that the highest calling is inward: to know oneself.
Explore the Original Slide Deck
You can explore the full presentation of the 17 Influential Books here:
As you reflect on these works, I invite you to consider: Which books have shaped your own personal philosophy? And what would your pyramid look like if you built it today?
