Book – As A Man Thinketh (Review)
Author – James Allen
Genre – Classic Self- help Book
Published in – 1903
As a Man Thinketh, so is he; written on the basis of Biblical verse (Prov. 23: 7) “As a Man Thinketh in his heart, so is he as an essay of merely 68 pages and yet has become highly popular and recommend the book by most of the self – help authors.
The book was published in 1903 more than 100 years ago is as relevant today, as it was at the time of its initial publishing. The book captures the power of thought really well.
About the Author –
James Allen was a British writer. He worked in several jobs before devoting fully to writing in 1902, after publishing his first book in 1901, From Poverty to power. He wrote more than 18 books after that, though he is widely known for his book As a Man Thinketh.
All his works were developed from his strong belief in the teachings of the bible, as well as Asian religions. He urges readers to read his work with an open mind and reflect on it before accepting or rejecting the ideas.
About the Book –
The author claims and goes on to explain that all we are is the result of what we have thought. Hence, each one of us has the power to form our character and create our own happiness.
Few Points That Really Stands Out in the Book –
1) Thought and Character –
- As plants springs from the seeds, so are all our actions springs from our seeds of thoughts and couldn’t have appeared without them.
- Action is blossom of thought, and joy and sorrow are its fruits; thus do we garner in the sweet and bitter harvest of our own thoughts. So if we have evil thoughts, we will suffer pain; if we have pure thoughts joy will follow.
2) Effect of Thought on Circumstances –
- Think of our mind as garden, whether we sow desired seeds or let it run wild, it will bring forth of its own.
- We cannot directly choose our circumstances, but we choose our thoughts and so, indirectly yet surely shape our circumstances.
- We don’t attract what we want, but what we are. Our wishes and prayers are materialized only when it is in harmony with our thoughts and actions.
- All of us are anxious to improve our circumstances, but not willing to improve ourselves.
3) Effects of Thoughts on Body and Health –
- Change of diet will not help us if we will not change our thoughts. When thoughts are made pure, impure food is no longer desired.
4) Thought and Purpose –
- James encourages readers to connect thoughts with purpose, goal towards which, we can aim and work. Size of your purpose will expand with accomplishments and achieving little milestones.
- Without purpose, we can easily get swapped in petty worries, fears, troubles and self-pitying, which leads to failure, unhappiness, and loss.
- To put away aimlessness, weakness and to begin to think with purpose is to enter the rank of those strong ones who recognize failure only as one of the pathways to attainment, who makes all conditions serve them, and who think strongly, attempt fearlessly, and accomplish masterfully.
5) The Thought Factor in Achievement –
- All that we achieve and all that we fail to achieve is the direct result of our own thoughts. Our weakness and strength, purity and impurity, are our own.
- Our suffering and our happiness are evolved from within. As we think, so we are; as we continue to think, so we remain.
- They who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; they who would achieve much must sacrifice much; they who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.
6) Visions and Ideals –
- Dream lofty dreams, cherish our visions. All that we see, all the advancement in the world, was once and for a time was dream.
- Your circumstance may be uncongenial, but they shall not long remain so if you but perceive your dream and strive to reach it. You cannot travel within and stand still without.
7) Serenity –
- We become calm in the measure that we understand ourselves as thought-evolved beings.
- Calm people, having learned how to govern themselves, know how to adapt themselves to others; and they, in turn, reverence their spiritual strength.
Last Statements in the book is really thought-provoking –
In the ocean of life, the isles of blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleeps; wake him. Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, “Peace, be still!”
I have also created a video of a few quotes from the book – Hope you like it. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel – Myread4change
Conclusion –
This is one book that everyone needs to read not only once, but at least once a month. This could definitely work as an anchor and we need to come back to it again and again as challenges of life surround us.
This could certainly give a different perspective on what matters and how we can create a meaningful life.
You may download a free e-book here.
Please share your thoughts in the comment.
Wish you a Peaceful Life.
Muzammil.