Business Book Club: As a Man Thinketh
I've set myself a goal to blog about the books I read. I will extract wisdom from the best business and personal development books I've read and share it with you.
This time around, I’m reading “As A Man Thinketh” by James Allen
About the book
As someone interested in personal development I hear about the ‘go-to’ books that should be on everyone’s reading list and “As a Man Thinketh” is regarded as one of the classics.
James Allen was a British philosophical writer known for his inspirational books and poetry, most notably "As a Man Thinketh." Born in 1864, Allen's work focuses on the power of personal thought and its profound impact on character, life circumstances, and success.
"As a Man Thinketh" explores the fundamental premise that an individual's thoughts directly influence their character, circumstances, and ultimately, their destiny. The book is made up of two essays, “As a Man Thinketh” and “The Mastery of Destiny”.
What did I learn?
The Power of Thought: James Allen's insights into the power of thought highlight its influence over every facet of our existence, from health to personal circumstances. He suggests that through the lens of positive thinking, we can forge pathways to success, whereas succumbing to negativity can lead us towards failure. He encourages readers to cultivate positive thoughts, emphasising that such a mindset not only alters our perception but can tangibly change the reality we live in.
Character and Circumstance: In this section, Allen challenges the notion that our character is merely the result of fate. He says that our inner thoughts and deliberate actions are the true architects of our character. Allen suggests that transformative change in our lives is not only possible but within our direct control.
The Effect of Thought on Circumstances: In this chapter, Allen goes into how our mental state can directly influence the tangible aspects of our lives. This goes beyond mere positive thinking, suggesting a form of mental alchemy where sustained, focused thoughts can manifest changes in our external world.
The Influence of Thought on Health and Body: Allen proposes that a diet of pure, positive thoughts can be as crucial to our well-being as the food we consume. This section expands to consider the holistic impact of our thoughts on our physical form, suggesting that mental discipline and positivity can combat illness and enhance vitality.
Purpose and Achievement: Allen emphasises the significance of having a clear purpose and aligning our thoughts with it as we pursue our goals. He believes that this not only propels individuals towards achieving their goals but also imbues their journey with a sense of fulfilment and direction.
Vision and Ideals: Encouraging readers to consider their dreams and set lofty ideals. Allen believes that our external reality is a reflection of our internal aspirations and visions: “He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realise it”. He gives the example of painters, sculptors and composers as people who are makers of the world because they have dared to dream bigger than most people.
Serenity: Allen places great value on the pursuit of inner peace and serenity, viewing it as the pinnacle of achieving control over our thoughts. He elaborates on how a state of mental calmness is not merely a retreat from chaos but a foundation for a life well-lived. This serenity, according to Allen, comes from a disciplined mind that links thoughts with actions, leading to a sense of fulfilment and peace.
Conclusion
"As a Man Thinketh" highlights the importance of the power of thought in shaping our lives, a principle that continues to resonate deeply even today. However, I think it's important to acknowledge the context in which Allen wrote this book—a time and society markedly different from now. I couldn’t help but think how it may have been influenced by the privileges and perspectives of his social standing. I’m sure it wasn’t hard for Allen to create his own results, and while the central themes of self-empowerment and personal responsibility are timeless, those in a less privileged position than him wouldn’t have found his ideas so straightforward to implement.
My other criticisms of the book are that it is a) repetitive (I found much of each chapter was the same idea being repeated over and over, using different words) and b) light on how to adopt the ideas. At times it reads as a manifesto for just thinking positively.
The central ideas of taking personal responsibility and positive thinking are universal and it’s hard to disagree with the key themes of the book. However, it isn’t the easiest read and thankfully there are much better books on the same subject available today. If you’re looking for books about taking charge of your life and you want to read some self-improvement classics, I would recommend Steven Covey’s seminal book “Seven Habits Highly Effective People” or Tony Robbins “Awaken the Giant Within”, both of which cover the same ideas but with a more practical approach.
