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As a Man Thinketh

summary ofAs a Man ThinkethBook by James Allen

9 min
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You’ll learn

  • Ways to find your purpose in life
  • The secret link between the mind and health
  • How to cultivate mental peace
  • Why negativity is your greatest enemy

first KEY POINT

Your future is in your hands

You might think that outside influences shape your destiny, or that everything is almost pre-designed, but if you think that way you’re missing out on something pretty huge. “As a Man Thinketh” teaches us that your destiny isn’t written in the stars, as romantic as it sounds, but instead it is in your own hands. You get to shape it, you get to write it, you get to create it.

Everything that you are, everything you hold dear to you, comes from what you think. This includes the things which are planned and the things which happen spontaneously. Allen tells us that if you make the right choices in life and you put forth the effort, you will go to heaven. If you don’t, and if you abuse life and place effort in the wrong places, you will go to hell.

You are in control of your own destiny with your thoughts and actions. Wake up and realize it before it’s too late!

That basically means that the keys to your destiny, both in life and beyond it, are in your hands and you get to decide what you’re going to do with them. Even when things aren’t going so well, your attitude and decisions shape your future.Did you know? The true meaning of the Bible passage “as a man thinketh, so is he” relates to a person’s true nature and that what you see isn’t always what you get. It’s about what they are on the inside.

second KEY POINT

Negative thoughts will poison your mind

Your circumstances certainly affect your mind, but you can choose your actions. Allen compares this situation to a garden. You can either choose to look after the garden, tend to it, weed it, water it regularly, or you can leave it to grow into a state of disarray. If you choose the former, the garden will bloom with flowers and look fantastic. However, if you leave it to fall into ruin, the garden will become overrun with weeds and become unruly. Your mind is the same.If you avoid impure and negative thoughts, your mind will cultivate itself into a beautiful, blooming garden. However, if you allow negative and selfish thoughts to take over, so will the weeds.

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first KEY POINT

Bad health = bad thoughts, good health = good thoughts

second KEY POINT

Everyone needs a purpose in life, what is yours?

third KEY POINT

If at first, you don’t succeed, it’s your own fault!

fourth KEY POINT

If you achieve serenity, you know you’ve made it

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

James Allen was a 19th-century British writer and philosopher. He was one of the first to write about self-help and personal improvement.

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Frequently asked questions

What is As a Man Thinketh about?

As a Man Thinketh, authored by James Allen, explores the profound power of thought and how it shapes our lives. It emphasizes that our circumstances are a direct reflection of our thoughts, promoting the idea that by changing our thinking, we can influence our reality.

What are the key takeaways from As a Man Thinketh?

The key takeaways from As a Man Thinketh include the understanding that thoughts are powerful and create our circumstances, the importance of self-discipline, and the value of a positive mindset. Allen highlights that individuals can achieve greatness by aligning their thoughts with their goals.

Is As a Man Thinketh worth reading?

Yes, As a Man Thinketh is often considered a classic in personal development literature and is definitely worth reading. Its concise yet impactful messages about thought and self-improvement resonate with anyone looking to enhance their personal and professional lives.

How many pages is As a Man Thinketh and when was it published?

As a Man Thinketh is a short book, typically around 50 pages, and it was first published in 1903. Despite its brevity, it packs deep insights into the nature of thought and its impact on our lives.

How does As a Man Thinketh relate to modern self-help concepts?

As a Man Thinketh lays the groundwork for many modern self-help concepts by focusing on the power of thoughts, intention, and self-responsibility. Its principles resonate with current themes in psychology and personal development, such as the law of attraction and cognitive behavioral strategies.