As a Man Thinketh: Summary Review & Takeaways
This is a summary review of As a Man Thinketh containing key details about the book.
What is As a Man Thinketh About?
As a Man Thinketh is a self-help book. The title is influenced by a verse in the Bible from the Book of Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 7: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". The book offers simple, forthright ideas that have touched hearts and even changed lives for more than a century -- and today they continue to point the way toward a fuller, richer, more compassionate existence.
Who is the author of As a Man Thinketh?
James Allen was a British philosophical writer known for his inspirational books and poetry and as a pioneer of the self-help movement. His best-known work, As a Man Thinketh, has been mass-produced since its publication in 1903. It has been a source of inspiration to motivational and self-help authors.
Book details
- Print length: 80 Pages
- Genre: Self Help, Nonfiction, Philosophy
What are key takeaways from As a Man Thinketh?
Takeaway #1:
We are the sum of our thought. Because actions sprout from thoughts and from those actions patterns emerge. The cumulation of those patterns forms our character. Attitude and action are closely related. This is why underachievers disappoint themselves. They think very little of themselves, to begin with. This leads to further inaction and creates a cycle.
Takeaway #2:
We blame our failures on external factors to make ourselves feel better, but this only hinders future success. Because even while our circumstances shape our character, our character shapes our circumstances as much. For this reason, We may not know for sure if character or circumstance has more influence on another person's life.
Takeaway #3:
The best way to age is with a smile on your face. Thoughts and attitudes affect how well people age. These attitudes can impact physical health in the same way goal-setting impacts one's success. When distracted by thoughts of the past or worries about the future, try to spend more time focusing on your goals and practicing positive thinking.
Takeaway #4:
Don't be a victim, find your inner peace. We must try and not fall into the victim mentality. Because If we don't feel like a victim, it's harder for someone else to make us one. We should stay true to our values and ideals because they let us motivate ourselves. So if you direct your thoughts to dreams you wish to achieve you will discover more well-being and serenity in your life. Becoming serene requires time and hard work, but it's worth it to live at peace with one's thoughts.
What are the chapters in As a Man Thinketh?
Thought and character
Effect of thought on circumstances
Effect of thought on health and the body
Thought and purpose
The thought-factor in achievement
Visions and ideals
Serenity
What are some of the main summary points from the book?
Here are some key summary points from the book:
- Power of Thoughts: The book emphasizes that thoughts are powerful and creative forces that shape an individual's character, circumstances, and destiny. It suggests that a person's thoughts are the seeds from which their actions and experiences grow.
- Law of Cause and Effect: Allen introduces the concept of the Law of Cause and Effect, stating that individuals are responsible for their thoughts and the consequences they bring. Positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes, while negative thoughts lead to negative outcomes.
- Mind and Character: The book highlights the connection between a person's mind and their character. It states that the quality of a person's thoughts determines the quality of their character, and therefore, it is essential to cultivate positive, virtuous, and pure thoughts.
- Self-Reflection: "As a Man Thinketh" encourages readers to engage in self-reflection and introspection. By observing and analyzing their thoughts, individuals can become aware of their innermost desires, fears, and beliefs. This self-awareness enables them to make conscious changes in their thinking patterns.
- Responsibility and Accountability: Allen emphasizes that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own thoughts, actions, and circumstances. He encourages readers to take ownership of their lives and accept the consequences of their thoughts and choices.
- Positive Affirmations: The book advocates the practice of positive affirmations and the repetition of uplifting and empowering thoughts. By consciously replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, individuals can transform their mindset and attract positive experiences.
- Mastery of Thought: Allen emphasizes the importance of mastering one's thoughts and developing mental discipline. By taking control of their thinking, individuals can overcome negative habits, cultivate virtues, and align their thoughts with their desired outcomes.
- Influence of Environment: The book acknowledges the influence of external factors, such as one's environment and associations, on one's thoughts and character. It advises individuals to be mindful of the company they keep and the stimuli they expose themselves to, as they can shape their thinking and behavior.
- Vision and Purpose: "As a Man Thinketh" highlights the significance of having a clear vision and purpose in life. By setting specific goals and aligning their thoughts with their aspirations, individuals can channel their energy and focus towards achieving their desired outcomes.
- Continuous Growth: The book encourages readers to pursue continuous personal growth and self-improvement. It suggests that by cultivating positive thoughts, practicing virtues, and developing their minds, individuals can elevate their lives and contribute to the betterment of society.
What are good quotes from As a Man Thinketh?
"A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild;" (Meaning)
“A strong man cannot help a weaker unless the weaker is willing to be helped, and even then the weak man must become strong of himself; "
“The outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state...Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
“A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.”
“A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile... he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts;”
“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves.”
“He who would accomplish little need sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much. He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”
“The dreamers are the saviors of the world. As the visible world is sustained by the invisible;"
“A noble and God-like character is not a thing of favor or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking”
“Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control"
“A man becomes calm in the measure that he understands himself as a thought-evolved being... He remains poised, steadfast, serene.”
“Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction. It is an indication that the individual is out of harmony with himself, with the Law of his being.”
― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh Quotes
* The summary points above have been concluded from the book and other public sources. The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
