“A man is literally what
he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts,” is one of
the quotes from James Allen's classic self help books, As a Man Thinketh.
Published in 1902, it provides many more such insightful concepts on the power
of thought and its effect on a human being's personality and behavior.
This volume is more of a literary essay than a
complete book and its title is based on a Biblical proverb, “As a man thinketh
in his heart, so is he.” Taking this piece of ancient wisdom further, James
Allen explores the far-reaching effects of the inner workings of a person's
mind and motivation. He proposes that projecting one's own desires, goals and
needs in the outer world can provide clues to a person's character.
Thinking and the subconscious mind are assumed
to be hidden from the outside world, and hence powerless to change the course
of events or circumstances of one's life. However, in this book, Allen presents
ideas that can harness this subterranean force and bend our lives to our will
if we so choose.
James Allen was a British writer who wrote
mostly about everyday philosophy for the lay person and was in a sense, a
pioneer of the self help movement. His books and poems were inspirational
pieces, meant to help people realize their own powers and take charge of their
lives rather than being mere tools in the hands of destiny. Born in a working
class family in Leicester, England, Allen and his younger brother grew up in
straitened circumstances. His father, a factory worker, traveled to America in
search of a better job, but was tragically attacked and killed by criminals in
New York. James, the older son, was compelled to leave school and seek work
back in England. He found employment as a secretary to a stationer and later
worked as a journalist. He later discovered a deep and enduring interest in
spiritual matters when he began working as a writer with a magazine devoted to
spiritual themes. His first book From
Poverty to Power was
published in 1901. Subsequently, he also launched his own spiritual magazine.
As a Man Thinketh was his third and most
famous book. It became an instant bestseller and the sales of this tiny volume
were so great that they allowed Allen and his family to retire to the country,
buy a house and live in relative comfort for the rest of their life.
The book's language is very simple and the
message presented here will certainly provide a basis for further thought and
meditation.