As a man thinketh by James Allen - Summary
Below you can find my notes of James Allens's book: As a man thinketh.
¶Thought and character
As a man thinketh in his heart so is he
- thinking noble and god-like shapes the character over time in this direction
- any level of nobility can be attained simply by the right thoughts
- we are our own masters of thought and therefore shapers of our destiny
¶Effect of thought on circumstances
- thoughts have to be cultivated and critically examined
every man is where he is by the law of his being
- circumstances grow out of one's own thoughts
- the soul will always attracts which it harbors
good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit
Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results
- suffering is the result of one's mental disharmony
¶Effects of thoughts on health and body
- before you can change your body for the better, you have to adjust your mind
- the body reflects the thoughts a person carries over the years
¶Thought and purpose
- having no purpose allows the mind to drift too far away and cause bad thoughts
Who make all conditions serve them, and who think strongly, attempt fearlessly, and accomplish masterfully.
Purpose, energy, power to do, and all strong thoughts cease when doubt and fear creep in.
He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.
¶The thought-factor in achievement
There can be no progress nor achievement without sacrifice, and a man's worldly success will be by the measure that he sacrifices his confused animal thoughts, and fixes his mind on the development of his plans, and the strengthening of his resolution and self-reliance. The higher he lifts his thoughts, the greater will be his success, the more blessed and enduring will be his achievements.
¶Visions and ideals
- The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build your life by; this you will become.
¶Serenity
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.”