The human Will, that force unseen, The offspring of a deathless Soul, Can hew a way to any goal, Though walls of granite intervene.
– James Allen
I have had the opportunity to read books that deal with Thinking, Human Mind and its effects on performance. Some of these books are: Start with Why by Simon Sinek, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. James Allen, the author of the book, As a Man Thinketh (buy your copy here), is considered to be one of the founding fathers of Modern Inspirational Thought.
Allen has explained how Thought influences Man and could influence his destiny. As a Man Thinketh is a small but powerful book that explains how Thinking has a profound effect on multiple aspects of human life from health, body to circumstances.
The book is divided into 7 topics, each topic shows how Thought has influence on almost every important aspect of our life. I will explain my view on each of those topics. There are instances where I have taken the sentences verbatim from the book.
1. Thought and Character
Allen puts forth a compelling argument for the aphorism “As a man Thinketh in his heart so is he” (which is taken from Bible) by stating that a man’s character is a sum of his thoughts. Thoughts are seeds from which Actions of man are brought forth.
A noble or godlike character is a result of continued efforts in right thinking while ignoble character will result from continued harboring of negative thoughts. Allen does not believe in Luck and states that Man is a master of thought, the moulder of character and the maker and shaper of condition, environment and destiny.
Allen states that Man is always the master. If he consciously decides to focus on fruitful issues, he is a wise master and if he focuses on negatives thoughts, he is a foolish master who misgoverns his “household”.
2. Effects of Thoughts on Circumstances
Allen compared a Man’s mind to a garden where growth is certain, be it flowers or weeds. If a man plants seeds of flowers and consciously removes any weeds, only flowers would grow and spread the fragrance. Similarly, he also advises to plant only good thoughts, give them the necessary water and fertilizer to grow and at the same time avoid negative thoughts.
Allen explains how a man, if disposed to negative thoughts, is affected by negative circumstances but as soon as he considers himself the master of his destiny and practices self-control over his thoughts, he can notice a change in his circumstances.
Circumstance does not make the man, it reveals him to himself. Allen puts forth his logic why man attracts his destiny. A man will attract not what he wants but who they are. For eg. a man wants good health but cannot sacrifice his gluttonous desires, Inspite of him desiring to attract good health, he attracts only bad health.
The Law of Cause and Effect is very simple in nature but its understanding is difficult to man. Allen postulates a simple rule, We must always remain in harmony with our being and we will avoid Suffering. We must Regulate Life, Find Harmony and Stop Fighting Circumstances.
3. Effect of Thought on the Health and The Body
Allen claims that Disease & Health have their roots in Thought. We can see this as a proof in the use of Placebos in the Medical field. A person desirous of good health will do everything in his power to form good habits so that he has a healthy body. I have done a Review of another one of my favorite book on habits “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Please find it here.
A man with thoughts of ill will towards others, practices cynicism for any event or holds envy to the success of others will remain in grief and sorry. A man who wishes well for his fellow beings, understands and empathizes with others situation, will have lasting peace.
4. Thought & Purpose
Allen recommends a man to have a “Legitimate” purpose in his heart and should devote himself to its attainment. For those who do not have a great purpose should fix themselves to faultless performance of their duty.
Allen believes that strength can only be developed by effort and practice. The will to do springs from knowledge that we can do. Thought allied fearlessly to purpose becomes creative force.
5. The Thought Factor in Achievement
Allen describes how a man achieves or fails in achieving his objectives is a direct result of his own thoughts. Positive thoughts with effort and practice will lead to achievement of goals. Negative thoughts will lead to unclear thinking and unplanned actions leading to disappointment.
Victories attained by right thought can only be maintained by watchfullness. All achievement are the result of definitely directed thought. One must sacrifice much in order to achieve much.
6. Vision and Ideals
Allen explains why Dreaming is important and why we must all have Vision and Ideals. Allen explains that Your Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your Ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.
The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart – this you will build your life, this you will become.
7. Serenity
Allen finally explains why Calmness is a Virtue that we all must strive for. According to him, a strong, calm man is always loved and revered. Calmness come from Self-control in thoughts, words and actions.
A Calm mind helps one sail through in the midst of crisis, helps one remain in control and guide him to take the right decisions.
As a Man Thinketh is a book that does not get over in a single reading. Every sentence is loaded with wisdom.
I would recommend this book to everybody as it helps you to reason why thoughts are crucial to success. It is often said that a field does not discriminate between a weed and a plant of a flower or a fruit. It is upto the Gardener to decide whether he wants to grow plant of a flower/fruit or grow seeds.
Similarly, it is upto the man to decide if he wishes to cultivate positive thoughts or negative thoughts. You cannot expect positive results, positive circumstances or positive outcomes if you cultivate doubts, fear or thoughts of failure.
I do hope that you would have enjoyed reading my take of the book “As a Man Thinketh”. Do let me know your thoughts by posting on my social profiles in Linkedin / Facebook / Twitter.
“Think Positive, Create Your Destiny”
~RG~