In an ongoing series, I will be reviewing and sharing some of the influential books that have helped me on my life’s journey.
Originally published in 1902, James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh is one of the classic works when it comes to the importance of managing our thoughts and perceptions concerning our current situations and how our thoughts shape our circumstances, health, character, and our hopes and aspirations.
Allen’s inspiration for the book title is Proverbs 23:7, which states “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (KJV). Allen’s premise is also congruent to the adage attributed to Marcus Aurelius and Shakespeare, “All thinking makes it so.” Allen’s premise also agrees with Jesus’ statement of “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34). I will share nuggets of wisdom found within Allen’s writing.
Thought and Character
“A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.”[1]
“A noble and Godlike character is not a thing of favor or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with Godlike thoughts. An ignoble and bestial character, by the same process, is the result of the continued harboring of groveling thoughts.”[2]
“…Man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.”[3]
Thought and Circumstance
“Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature of outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself.”[4]
“The outer world of circumstance shapes itself to the inner world of thought, and both pleasant and unpleasant external conditions are factors which make for the ultimate good of the individual. As the reaper of his own harvest, man learns both by suffering and bliss.”[5]
“Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.”[6]
Thought and Health
“Clean thoughts make clean habits.”[7]
“If you would perfect your body, guard your mind. If you would renew your body, beautify your mind.”[8]
Thought and Purpose
“A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it. He should make this purpose the centralizing point of his thoughts.”[9]
“He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.”[10]
Thought and Achievement
“All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts…His suffering and his happiness are evolved from within. As he thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains.”[11]
Thought and Vision
“Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.”[12]
“The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good…Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, ‘Peace, be still!’”[13]
I have read As a Man Thinketh multiple times throughout the years and I can say that every time I read it, I gain deeper and deeper insights. No matter your stage of life, no matter your situation, take control by how you are thinking about the situation, and correct the course. Gaining control of our thoughts will be a daily battle, so do not give up; do not surrender. God bless you all.
[1] James Allen, As a Man Thinketh. New York: Barnes and Noble (2007 edition): 3.
[2] Ibid, 4.
[3] Ibid, 5.
[4] Ibid, 11.
[5] Ibid, 12.
[6] Ibid, 12.
[7] Ibid, 28.
[8] Ibid 28.
[9] Ibid, 33.
[10] Ibis, 36.
[11] Ibid, 39.
[12] Ibid, 48.
[13] Ibid, 56-57.
Triumphant In Christ 