AS A MAN THINKETH BOOK SUMMARY

“As a Man Thinketh” is a literary essay by James Allen, published in 1903. It was described by Allen as dealing with the power of thought, and particularly with the use and application of thought to happy and beautiful issues.

About the Author

James Allen was a British philosophical writer and poet and a pioneer of the self-help movement. At the turn of the 20th century, he was one of the most popular writers on spirituality, his many books comforting millions of readers with their simple, unpretentious wisdom about living a joyful life.

About the Book As a Man Thinketh

As a Man Thinketh is a self-help book by James Allen. He has tried to make the book simple, so that all can easily grasp and follow its teaching, and put into practice the methods which it advises.

1. THOUGHTS & CHARACTER in the Book As a Man Thinketh

Good & bad circumstances occur because of their character not by luck. Whoever is successful in life is because of their right thought process which helped them make the right decisions & actions when required. Hence, always have a positive character.

2. MIND IS LIKE A GARDEN

Human minds are like empty ground & if you feed it with something really intelligent then you can build it like a beautiful garden which can serve you a lot of fruits & rewards. Hence always be cautious about what are you feeding your mind with.

To Desire is to Obtain to Aspire is to Achieve
― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

3. THOUGHTS GIVE RISE TO CIRCUMSTANCES

Most people don’t understand this simple fact of becoming rich. Good work can make a good life. If you keep thinking about negative thoughts then the exact circumstances will arise whereas when you keep thinking about positive thoughts then one can get positive results.

A person is limited only by the thoughts that he chooses.
― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results. We understand this law in the natural world and work with it, but few understand it in the mental and moral world although it is just as simple and undeviating.

Therefore, they do not cooperate with it.

4. FIVE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS one should not have

Debauchery Habits, Fear, Sluggish, Blaming, Selfish. As A Man Thinketh is a great book if you wish to change your ways of thinking and come to the realization that your thoughts govern and produce results within your life.

As he thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains.
― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances. A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances.

5. FIVE POSITIVE EMOTIONS TO HAVE

Self Control, Courage, Hard work, Forgiving, Think about others first are the five positive emotions one should have.

Purity of mind leads inevitably to the purity of life, to the precious love and understanding that should control our everyday acts and attitudes towards friends and foes.

Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power.
― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

The calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought.

But where must one look for guidance? How does one achieve purity of mind that alone brings happiness and confidence?

Conclusion of Book As a Man Thinketh

The author offers his clear answers in this book As A Man Thinketh. His words have helped millions for more than a century and they continue to point the true way to a better life for a troubled humanity.

“As a Man Thinketh” is described by Allen as “A book that will help you to help yourself”, “A pocket companion for thoughtful people”, and “A book on the power and right application of thought.