I’ve always been fascinated by characters who master the art of influence. The ones who seem to bend reality to their will, turning chaos into order — or at least, convincing others that they have. That’s why I found myself drawn to both Makima from Chainsaw Man and Napoleon Hill, the legendary author of Think and Grow Rich. On the surface, they couldn’t be more different — one a supernatural being with godlike control over humanity, the other a Depression-era writer preaching the power of thought. But dig deeper, and you’ll find eerie parallels in how they view the world, shape destinies, and inspire — or manipulate — those around them.

1. The Power of Vision and Control

Makima operates on a chillingly clear vision: absolute control over the human world. She doesn’t just want power — she wants to define the rules of reality itself. Napoleon Hill, though far less sinister, believed in a similar kind of mastery. He taught that the mind, when properly trained, could shape external circumstances. In Think and Grow Rich, he emphasized the importance of a "burning desire" backed by a definite plan. Both figures understand that vision is nothing without execution — and both are willing to make ruthless decisions to stay on course.

2. Influence Through Words

Makima speaks sparingly, but when she does, her words carry the weight of command. Her calm, almost robotic tone belies an ability to rewrite a person’s very sense of self. Napoleon Hill, too, understood the power of language. He believed that words were the tools of thought, and that repeated affirmations could reprogram the subconscious. In fact, he encouraged readers to write out their goals and read them aloud daily — a kind of verbal programming of the mind. Both see words not as expressions, but as instruments of transformation.

3. The Use of Fear as a Motivator

Makima thrives on fear — she uses it to bind others to her will, making them dependent on her for safety and purpose. Napoleon Hill didn’t advocate fear, but he did believe it was a powerful force in human behavior. He identified fear of poverty and fear of criticism as two of the greatest obstacles to success. His solution wasn’t to eliminate fear, but to master it — to use it as fuel rather than let it paralyze. In both cases, fear isn’t a weakness; it’s a lever.

4. Cultivating Devotion Through Mystery

Makima is unknowable. Her true motives, her true self — they remain hidden, which only makes her more compelling to those around her. Napoleon Hill, while more transparent, also understood the value of mystery in leadership. He wrote about the importance of charisma and the “magnetism” of great leaders — the inexplicable pull they have on others. He didn’t encourage manipulation, but he did believe that people followed those who seemed to know more than they let on. In both cases, mystery becomes a form of power.

5. Belief as a Tool for Creation

Perhaps the most striking similarity is their shared belief in belief itself. Makima demands total faith from those she binds — not just in her, but in the path she sets for them. Napoleon Hill, meanwhile, wrote that belief was the starting point of all achievement. He argued that without belief, no plan could succeed. Whether you're summoning the will to build a business or a devilish pact that reshapes your life, belief is the engine that makes it real.

If you’ve ever felt a strange kinship with Makima — not because of her cruelty, but because of her clarity, conviction, and ability to shape reality — you might find unexpected resonance in Napoleon Hill’s philosophy. Both figures remind us that the world bends not to the strongest, but to those who believe most fiercely in their own vision.

Want to explore how belief can become reality? Chat with Napoleon Hill on HoloDream. He’ll help you understand the mindset that made empires — and devils — possible.