As a Man Thinketh

What's "As a Man Thinketh" about?

• Core Philosophy: "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen explores the profound impact of thought on a person's character, circumstances, and destiny. It emphasizes that our thoughts shape our reality.
• Mind as a Master: The book presents the mind as a master weaver, crafting both the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance.
• Self-Responsibility: It advocates for self-responsibility, suggesting that individuals are the makers of themselves through the thoughts they choose and encourage.
• Influence of Thought: Allen illustrates how thought influences health, purpose, achievement, and serenity, ultimately guiding readers toward self-improvement and enlightenment.

Why should I read "As a Man Thinketh"?

• Self-Improvement: The book offers timeless wisdom on self-improvement, emphasizing the power of thought in shaping one's life.
• Practical Guidance: It provides practical guidance on how to cultivate positive thoughts and eliminate negative ones to achieve personal and professional success.
• Inspiration and Motivation: Readers find inspiration and motivation to take control of their thoughts and, consequently, their lives.
• Philosophical Insight: The book offers philosophical insights into the nature of thought and its role in human existence, making it a valuable read for those interested in personal development and philosophy.

What are the key takeaways of "As a Man Thinketh"?

• Thought and Character: A person's character is the sum of their thoughts, and by changing their thoughts, they can change their character.
• Circumstances Reflect Thoughts: External circumstances are a reflection of internal thoughts, and by altering thoughts, one can change their circumstances.
• Health and Body: Thoughts affect physical health, with positive thoughts promoting health and negative thoughts leading to disease.
• Purpose and Achievement: Linking thought with purpose leads to intelligent accomplishment, and focused thoughts are essential for achieving goals.

How does James Allen define the relationship between thought and character?

• Aphorism Basis: Allen bases his discussion on the aphorism "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he," suggesting that thoughts define a person's being.
• Character as Thought Sum: He argues that character is the complete sum of all thoughts, and every act springs from the hidden seeds of thought.
• Noble vs. Ignoble Character: A noble character results from right thinking, while an ignoble character stems from harboring negative thoughts.
• Self-Mastery: By mastering thoughts, individuals can forge their character and shape their destiny, ascending to divine perfection or descending into baseness.

What is the effect of thought on circumstances according to "As a Man Thinketh"?

• Mind as a Garden: Allen likens the mind to a garden that can be cultivated with positive thoughts or left to grow wild with negative ones.
• Circumstances as Reflection: He posits that circumstances are intimately connected to thought, reflecting the inner state of an individual.
• Law of Attraction: The soul attracts what it harbors, whether it be aspirations or fears, and circumstances are the means by which the soul receives its own.
• Self-Improvement: By improving thoughts, individuals can improve their circumstances, as thought and character are one.

How does "As a Man Thinketh" explain the effect of thought on health and the body?

• Body as Servant: The body is described as the servant of the mind, responding to thoughts whether they are positive or negative.
• Disease and Health: Negative thoughts lead to disease and decay, while positive thoughts promote health and beauty.
• Thoughts and Habits: Habits of thought produce corresponding effects on the body, with clean thoughts leading to a clean life and body.
• Mental Harmony: Achieving mental harmony through positive thoughts results in physical health and well-being.

What does James Allen say about thought and purpose in "As a Man Thinketh"?

• Linking Thought and Purpose: Allen emphasizes that thought must be linked with purpose for intelligent accomplishment.
• Central Purpose: Individuals should conceive a legitimate purpose and focus their thoughts on its attainment, making it their supreme duty.
• Strength of Character: Even if one fails initially, the strength of character gained through focused thought is a measure of true success.
• Overcoming Weakness: By overcoming aimlessness and weakness, individuals can enter the ranks of those who achieve mastery and success.

What is the "Thought-Factor in Achievement" according to James Allen?

• Direct Result of Thoughts: All achievements and failures are the direct result of one's thoughts, with individual responsibility being absolute.
• Lifting Thoughts: To achieve anything, one must lift their thoughts above base indulgence and focus on higher ideals.
• Sacrifice for Success: Progress and achievement require sacrifice, and success is proportional to the sacrifice of selfish thoughts.
• Virtuous Living: The universe favors the virtuous, and by lifting thoughts, individuals can achieve intellectual and spiritual success.

How does "As a Man Thinketh" describe the role of visions and ideals?

• Dreamers as Saviors: Allen describes dreamers as the saviors of the world, sustaining humanity with their visions and ideals.
• Cherishing Ideals: He encourages readers to cherish their visions and ideals, as they are the seedlings of realities.
• Aspiration and Achievement: Aspiration leads to achievement, and one's vision is the promise of what they shall become.
• Effort and Results: Efforts lead to results, and the strength of effort determines the measure of achievement, with chance playing no role.

What are the best quotes from "As a Man Thinketh" and what do they mean?

• "Mind is the Master power that moulds and makes": This quote emphasizes the power of the mind in shaping one's life and destiny.
• "A man is literally what he thinks": It highlights the idea that thoughts define a person's character and being.
• "Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself": This suggests that circumstances reflect one's inner state and thoughts.
• "He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure": It underscores the importance of overcoming negative thoughts to achieve success.

How does "As a Man Thinketh" address the concept of serenity?

• Calmness as Wisdom: Serenity is described as a jewel of wisdom, resulting from self-control and understanding of thought.
• Tranquil Influence: A calm person influences others positively and is revered for their spiritual strength.
• Serenity and Success: Greater tranquility leads to greater success, influence, and power for good.
• Self-Mastery: Serenity is achieved through self-mastery, with controlled thoughts leading to peace and power.

What is the significance of the "Two Masters, Self and Truth" in "As a Man Thinketh"?

• Battlefield of the Soul: Allen describes the soul as a battlefield between the master of self and the master of Truth.
• Self vs. Truth: Self is associated with passion and darkness, while Truth is linked to gentleness and light.
• Sacrifice for Truth: To realize Truth, one must be prepared to sacrifice self and renounce worldly desires.
• Path to Peace: By denying self and embracing Truth, individuals can achieve peace and freedom from suffering.