Acres of Diamonds is a book that was based off of an inspirational speech given by Russell Conwell. The message is clear and powerful and will force the reader to consider things that they may not have been aware of. Russell Conwell was a Baptist minister, lawyer, and writer. Conwell is best remembered today as the founder and first president of Temple University in Philadelphia. Conwell was also a gifted lecturer as his inspirational speech Acres of Diamonds is still widely read today.