William Clement Stone (May 4, 1902 – September 3, 2002) was an American businessman, philanthropist and New Thought self-help book author.

At the time, this was a novel thing to do, a departure from the typical practice of boys hawking newspapers on street corners.

In 1951, Stone founded the interfaith group "The Washington Pilgrimage", which later became the "Religious Heritage of America".

Stone associated with Napoleon Hill to teach the Philosophy of Personal Achievement "Science of Success" course.

"[9] In 1960, Stone teamed up with Napoleon Hill to author Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude.

Robert H. Schuller on the inside front cover page: "Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude is one of the ten books that has most impacted my faith and my philosophy...no person's education is complete without the concepts articulated in it so wisely and so well.

"[12] Stone and Hill also founded a monthly digest magazine, entitled Success Unlimited.

They "conceived of the idea of a monthly magazine to supply mental vitamins to revitalize those seeking self-help and wished inspiration..."[15] In 1965, W. Clement Stone became Chairman of the Board of Hawthorn Books.

Stone intended to use the publishing house as a vehicle to supplement his magazine Success Unlimited.

In 1981, the magazine dropped "Unlimited" from its name and adopted the title Success until it stopped publication in 2001, shortly before Stone's death in 2002.

[19] Stone gave over $275 million to charity including civic groups, mental health and Christian organizations.

Stone was a supporter of The Napoleon Hill Foundation, which he directed for forty years, and to which his estate contributes funding.

"[20] In 1969 and 1970, Stone served as a Republican member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, having been appointed to fill the vacancy left by the death in office of Harold A.