As a Man Thinketh: A 1-Page Summary

James Allen's theme is that "mind is the master weaver," producing our inner thoughts, character and external circumstances. Allen explains that unlike robots we have control over our thoughts.

"How come I can't make myself do this or achieve that?"

Most of us believe that the mind is separate from matter. Allen believed that the unconscious mind generates as much action as the conscious mind. While we might be able to create the illusion of control through the conscious mind alone.

"Good thoughts and action can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and action can never produce good results... We understand this law in the natural world, and work with it, but few understand it in the mental and moral world- although its operation there is just as simple and undeviating- and they, therefore, do not cooperate with it.

We are the sum of our Thoughts

The book's logic is undeniable- good thoughts make a good person, bad or negative thoughts produce a bad or miserable one. For a negative in thoughts person, the world seems confusing and scary. He notes that when we contain our negative and destructive thoughts, "the world softens towards us, and is ready to help us."

Our thoughts attract both what we love and fear, equally. Be careful what you think about and focus on- giving energy and matter to! He explained that the thoughts given our attention, good or bad, go into the unconscious to become the fuel for later events in the real world. Combine the though with strong emotions- and you accelerate the outcome, according to other prolific experts in the subject. So be aware of your thoughts and feeling, all the time. Emerson commented, "a person is what he thinks about all day long."

Circumstances Reflect Us!

For over 100 years, As a Man Thinketh continues to gain popularity- why? Well, people are realizing evident truths. "Circumstances do not make a person, [on the contrary] they reveal him." As insensitive as the comment is, each set of circumstances, bad or good, offer an equivalent opportunity for growth! Humanity would have never progressed if circumstances were the definitive determinant of the life and prospects of people. Matter of fact, circumstances seem to be designed to bring out the best in us, and when we make the decision that we have been"wronged" then we are unlikely to begin a conscious effort to rise above our situation. Therefore, challenges and tough circumstances, like in a person's early life, are often a great gift to the individual and the future.

Change your Thought, Change the World

A successful person, in a nutshell, is one who is most wise at processing their ( often temporary) failure(s). Yes, poverty can happen to anyone or community, but be clear, that defensive actions like blaming another person will only run the wheels deeper into the mud. Allen writes, "most of us are anxious to improve our circumstances, but are unwilling to improve ourselves- and we therefore remain bound." People are mostly the unconscious cause of their circumstances: bad or good. Prosperity and joy only happen when the self is unstuck from its previously miserable and lacking ways.

Tranquility Creates Success

The best path to success is by thinking right- calmness of the mind. As Buddhists may say, people who are calm, relaxed, present, and purposeful are actively in a state of self-control. Like a monk, as if it's their natural state, have knowledge of how thought and habits of the mind work. In fact, it takes practice- and with more time, more control and better-designed outcome. Last, according to Allen, they have a magnet-like attraction because they are not swept up by every external event: emails, work and bosses, and social media etc. They are masters of their thought. Masters of themselves. "Tempest-tossed" souls battle to gain success, but success avoids the unstable.

Roll out of bed and onto the floor. Think or meditate on what you want your day to be like. Use a YouTube 10-minutes guided meditation to help you (which I recommend), do Not be tempted to check email or social media. Then slowly watch how your thoughts, guide your calm actions and create the success you design and desire.

"...You are the master of your thought, the molder of your character, and the maker and shaper of your condition, environment and destiny."

Thank you. I'd love to hear, share and learn from you: [email protected]