Norman Vincent Peale was an American Protestant clergyman and author best known for popularizing the concept of positive thinking, especially through his best-selling book The Power of Positive Thinking (1952). Raised as a Methodist and ordained as a Methodist minister in 1922, Peale changed his religious affiliation to the Reformed Church in America in 1932 and began a 52-year tenure as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. During that time, the church's membership grew from 600 to over 5,000, and he became one of New York City's most famous preachers.

Peale and psychoanalyst Smiley Blanton established a religio-psychiatric outpatient clinic next door to the church. They co-authored books such as Faith Is the Answer: A Psychiatrist and a Pastor Discuss Your Problems (1940). In 1951, their clinic evolved into the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry.

Peale also started the radio program "The Art of Living" in 1935, which lasted for 54 years. He ventured into television under the sponsorship of the National Council of Churches and began editing the magazine Guideposts and writing books.

Despite advocating against clergy involvement in politics, Peale had controversial affiliations with politically active organizations in the late 1930s and engaged with national political candidates and their campaigns. His influence reached President Richard Nixon.

Following the publication of Peale's 1952 bestseller, his ideas faced criticism from psychiatric professionals and theologians. However, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan on March 26, 1984.

Peale passed away at the age of 95 on December 24, 1993, following a stroke in Pawling, New York. He was survived by his wife, Ruth Stafford, with whom he founded Guideposts in 1945. Ruth passed away on February 6, 2008, at the age of 101.