“As a Man Thinketh” Review

“As a Man Thinketh” is a brilliant writing written by a virtually unknown English author named James Allen. There is little known about Mr. James Allen even though this piece of work has revolutionized the idea of self help and success. There is little known about him but that he was born in Leicester which is in Central England, on November 28th, 1864. He is credited to have written more than 15 excellent pieces of literature throughout his short writing career. It is a mystery why this man is still so obscure today! He had inspired millions of people around the world because his, “As a Man Thinketh”, was translated in five different languages.

James Allen came up with the idea that, “You are what you think.” This is the basic idea behind his book, ‘As a Man Thinketh”. Allen describes the mind as being a very powerful tool where thoughts are mental actions. Thinking allows man to create their own surroundings and can affect the outcome by their own means.He goes on to explain throughout his work that if you have positive thoughts, positive things will happen which will lead man towards success. Another upside of being positive is those who have a good attitude towards life will be healthier than those who are not. If you have negative thoughts, negative things will happen. Those that harbor sad and unpleasant thoughts are more acceptable to disease and sickness. When someone is negative all the time, depression seems to take over and can lead towards, “a self made prison hole”.

The path of purpose leads to accomplishment but the path of aimlessness leads to destruction. Sin also leads to the same outcome but it goes a different path. When there is no purpose, you will become the victim of petty and trivial worries which will lead you to failure. The way to be successful is to make your purpose your main thought and to focus on it until you accomplish it. If you can master this, there nothing that cannot be done!

All achievements, whether in the business, intellectual, or spiritual realm, are the result of clearly defined aimed thought. They all follow the same law, and are part of the same method. The only difference is in the way you complete it. Victory because of positive thought can be kept only by remaining alert. Many have tasted success, only to fall back into their failing ways. Those that have accomplished little have to forfeit little, but those that have accomplished more have sacrificed more. Those that have gained much must sacrifice an extraordinary amount!

Dreams are the seeds of reality. When you have a beautiful vision in your mind and heart, you can make it come true with determination and hard work. That is why it is important to dream big and dream often, soon you will become your dream! Your vision is the promise of what you shall become; your model of excellence predicts what you can be. So reach for the stars, one day they will belong to you!

In all human relations there are efforts and results. The force of the effort is the measure of the result. “Gifts, powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort. They are completed thoughts, accomplished missions, visions that have come to pass. The visions that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build your life by; this you will become”.

Serenity is one of the most important treasures of wisdom. It is the reward for completing the long and enduring road to self control. Those that are firm and unshakeable no longer bicker and are not easy to anger. The collective man, has learned how to control himself so he knows how to relate with others. In turn others learn to respect him and try to learn his calm ways. This is why a steadfast man is always loved and honored. “He is like a shade giving tree in a dry land, or a sheltering rock in a storm.” It doesn’t matter if it rains or shines these people are always calm and poised. Nothing can get them down. “Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power!”

I would recommend everyone to read this book. His book “As A Man Thinketh” holds a lot of wisdom and knowledge. Even though it was written back in the 1800s it still holds much truth today. It is sad he never received the credit a real genius deserves. It really is a tragedy because James Allen was a brilliant man!