As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Attah Isaac Chekwube (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The book in its entirety was a profound effort by the author, James Allen, to convey to his readers the enormous power of thoughts in shaping a man’s life and invariably influence his world. In his subjective approach to writing this classic, he set out to stimulate radical thoughts in the minds of the readers on how to take control of their minds (gardens) to ensure only positive, healthy, and noble thoughts are cultivated there.
When practiced with patience and ceaseless importunity will mould the life of the reader by building a formidable character, which will attract circumstances that the soul secretly harbors. The power of thoughts cut across the whole aspects of man- his body, his purpose, vision, ideals, and his achievement until a state of exquisite poise is reached. This creates a harmonious environment between the man’s outer and inner environments.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Characters are products of thoughts
This is important to me because it means that for me to cultivate leadership characters such as honesty, confidence, courage, commitment, accountability etc., I must first cultivate and encourage those thoughts in my mind. Every noble character that I’ve developed was consciously thought through.
ii. Our bodies are also subject to our thoughts
The quality and nature of one’s thoughts affect the quality and state of health of that individual. Sickly thoughts and healthy thoughts express themselves through sickly and healthy body respectively. Furthermore, harboring sickly thoughts always result in sickness for me.
iii. Dreams as the seedlings of realities
Today is yesterday’s tomorrow, and ideals of today were cultivated yesterday. We always become the ideal that we enthrone in our hearts. Any dream can be conceived, nurtured, and actualized in as much as the dreamer is focused, persistent, and dogged in utilizing every resource at his disposal to the attainment of such dreams. Setting up my piggery was only a dream few years ago. Gradually, the dream was nurture as a thought, and the plans for its actualization initiated. Today, that dream has been accomplished. The desire to expand the scope of the business is but a dream today, which I will also make a reality with focused thought and determination.
iv. Thoughts influenced circumstances
This exonerates the outer world of any blame I’ve placed on it concerning my situation and puts me firmly in the driver’s seat. It stimulated a paradigm shift. I am not a victim of my circumstance, I am the creator. As an enlightened being, I must learn the lessons of any given circumstance (pleasant/unpleasant) to steady my evolution and progress which will lead me into happiness, health, and prosperity. My dominant thoughts have a way of creating a replica circumstance by attracting persons that share such thoughts, and a suitable environment for it to express itself.
v. Thoughts induced purposefulness
This is important to me because it means that purpose in life can be developed by focusing thoughts upon the faultless performance of duty. Elimination of enemies of purpose such as doubts and fears. A mental straight pathway for its achievement marked. My job as a salesman demands purposefulness because every person I encounter is a potential customer. So, no matter what the topic of our conversation is, I never lose focus of my purpose- to make sales.
vi. Thoughts inspired achievement
Achievement is tenable when a man sacrifices his confused animal thoughts, and fixes his mind on the development of his plans, and the strengthening of his resolution and self-reliance. Completing the review of the introductory books was no mean feat for someone like me that has not written anything over 150 words for years. A lot of sacrifices were made to reach this achievement but the victory was first conceived in my thoughts.
vii. Essence of self-control
Self-control could be earned by long and patient effort in self-control; a mastery of the laws and operations of thoughts. This imposes on its possessor immense strength and unparalleled influence and power. Driving in the busy cities in Nigeria is hectic work. Most drivers have loose tongues, always looking for the slightest provocation to hurl abuses at other drivers. This behavior is somehow second nature to every driver in Nigeria. When I started driving, I made it a priority to overcome this challenge. So, I resorted to maintaining my cool irrespective of what other drivers say or do to me. It was not easy at the beginning but gradually it became easier for me. I maintain my poise by default these days in such situations.
3. How will these ideas/lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?
Having known that thoughts produce characters, I’ve decided to pay
more attention to my thoughts, analyze my thought patterns, and carefully cultivate and encourage noble thoughts, to facilitate the emergence of my desired noble character. Once this is achieved to a reasonable level, it will provide a harmonious environment between both my inner and outer environments. This will provide a good platform for harmonious relationship with others.
Health is wealth; the healthier I am, the wealthier I become. To be healthy amongst other things, I need to maintain healthy thoughts and thought patterns. This will drastically improve my productivity, and increase my chances of bettering the world. This is predicated on the fact that I need strength to drive any of my ideas of bettering the world.
I have drafted out plans that I need to achieve within the remaining months of the year, and by June 30th, 2022. I will ensure I sacrifice whatever is needed to ensure I remain focused and committed to the course. I will initiate at least two of my friends to this law to guarantee corresponding development in them. My dreams are attainable. All that is required is clarity, focus and relentless efforts towards its actualization. And in no distant time, it will become my reality. I will fan the embers of my dreams by daily doing something towards its development- reading, developing myself, investing, and always reaching for it. The absolute nature of cause and effect makes it impossible for me
to claim to be interested in changing my circumstances without first altering my thoughts. So, I now watch my thoughts closely to ensure that I do not compromise my desirable future. Purposefulness is a sure way to live above petty worries, fears, troubles, self-pity etc. Legitimate purpose is conceivable by everybody and anybody, and is more importantly, achievable. I am devoted to exterminating enemies of purpose in my life. Calmness of mind is also attainable. When a man understands himself as a thought-evolving being, he becomes calm and increases in his understanding of others. To ensure that all these powers I am developing are safeguarded, I must practice the act of self-control. I must also create a conducive environment around me where people can be inspired to attain their dreams.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“They themselves are makers of themselves.” This is pivotal in the sense that I am responsible for the outcome of my life irrespective of my background or the prevailing circumstances. Once I cultivate the right kind of thoughts and encourage it by consistent practice and true application, I will make of myself whatever I will.
“As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.”
This re-enforces the knowledge that to change my life, my thought pattern and quality must be changed to match the person I desire to become. Therefore, my mind must be carefully guarded to ensure only desired thoughts breed there.
“That man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.”
I must diligently search myself by the process of self- analysis to come to the consciousness of the law upon which my being is established. This discovery will aid my ability to properly direct my energies to creating stronger character, better conditions and environment, and the desired future.
“Circumstances does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.”
The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors. Therefore, men do not attract to themselves what they want but they which they are- their deepest thoughts. The actions of a man in any given situation only reveal his thoughts whether bestial or noble.
“Fighting against circumstance.”
For me to revolt successfully against my circumstances (effect), I must address the cause of the circumstance (thoughts) squarely. Not adhering to this will be tantamount to fighting in futility. The law of cause and effect is sacrosanct.
“He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.”
Thought allied fearlessly to purpose becomes creative force. Man is the only hindrance he has. He who does not slay doubts and fear jeopardizes his own steps.
“Shall man’s basest desires receive the fullest measure of gratification, and his purest aspirations starve for lack of sustenance.”
This is profound in the sense that nature is a just judge, and will not offer me cake when I’ve eaten my fair share. Life only responses to our most powerful desires.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
Fortunately for me, the whole ideas of the book are okay and understandable by me.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
There were no exercises that needed to be completed by me.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
No, there is none.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Attah Isaac Chekwube (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The author, Richard Bach, extensively portrayed the essence of finding meaning for life beyond the mundane survival instinct of most living beings. The impediments to such desires include: the limiting thoughts of self, the disapproval of people that apparently have our best interest at heart- family and close friends, and the stern opposition of the society against any “irresponsible or self-seeking quest” that will alter its norms. To ensure that this desire is actualized, the one who seeks meaning for living must learn to have unwavering belief in oneself, and must as a matter of principle, celebrate little victories on the route to self-discovery. Once meaning for living has been discovered, the illuminated (discoverer) should do everything possible to enable others discover themselves too. This is the hallmark of perfection.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. The desire to be something more.
I’ve always shared the sentiment that being alive is an indication that we owe ourselves and the society the duty of being something more than just another number. During my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in one of the remote villages in Obi local government area of Nasarawa state, I ensured that my duties extended beyond the walls of the classrooms as my job description stipulated. I launched a reading club known as Inspired Scholars Forum to enhance my students’ literacy beyond their core subjects. I also initiated a Sex Education Program to broaden the students’ knowledge of sex-related issues with the view of promoting self-worth and curbing Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
ii. The resistance to change.
Any deviation from norms-family, religious or societal, is very challenging, and is often met with stiff resistance. I hail from a village where gender roles are sacred and promoted. Domestic chores are strictly relegated to the females in the house. Therefore, it is an abomination for a son to sweep his father’s compound when he has sisters. Many years ago, my mom risked being sanctioned by the elders of my kindred for asking me to sweep our compound in the village. Although she had altercations with some of those elders, she prevailed. I learnt never to allow resistance, no matter how fierce, stop me from pursuing any noble quest.
iii. The inexhaustibility of the improvement room.
“In terms of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists,” Eric Hoffer. My application to participate in this program is a perfect example of my quest for further learning and development because “when one school is finished, another must begin.”
iv. Path less travelled
Most men that have influenced this world or their immediate environment in a significant way understand that to make an impact they must first shun the desire to win popularity votes. More often than not, they go against conventional status. My desire to earn a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution is not a popular thing here but I believe that the survival of our world depends on our finding non-violent ways of resolving our ever increasing differences.
v. The reward for persistence
Nothing stops a man that is determined, dedicated and diligent in a course. The only outcome that awaits such a person is the mastery of the course. As a sales person, I’ve encountered several situations that lend credence to this idea.
vi. The perfect invisible principle of all life-love and kindness.
Empathy is the only thing that separates us from beasts. Improved behavior is a product of improved knowledge. We owe it to our society to always be a source of new and improved information capable of affecting lives positively. This principle has helped me restore several relationships. Truly people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
vii. The price of freedom.
Emancipation of any form does not come easily. So, to be able to attain freedom, I must be willing to sacrifice certain things- relationships, time, comfort, money albeit important, to achieve it. I made a decision this year to read at least two books every month. To actualize this objective, I am sacrificing time, comfort, and money. Some of my relationships have suffered as well.
3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?
To live, to learn, to leave a legacy is the guiding principle of my being. Having imbibed the idea of desiring to be something more than just another number, I am more than ever committed to seeking out something more in every opportunity life affords me to affect my world positively.
The first step to actualizing my dreams and aspirations is to extinguish the secret voice of failure telling me incessantly that I am just an ordinary and limited person. Also, I am building a mental fortress that can withstand the barrage of resistance my dreams will face in its formative and implementation phases. I hope to achieve this by reading the autobiographies of successful individuals, inspirational literature, and surrounding myself with positive-minded individuals. Once this is achieved, my noble dreams aimed at bettering the lot of my world will then gain expression.
Since the gull which sees farthest flies highest, I need to increase my learning to widen my horizon. This will undoubtedly increase my capacity to contribute my own quota in creating a better world. By pursuing my dreams with relentless tenacity, I am convinced
beyond any iota of doubt that it will materialise. My dream of a better world is just some steps away. Nothing has the capacity to create a better world for mankind more
than the principle of love and kindness. The practice of this principle will certainly reduce the conflicts in the world, while creating a more conducive environment for noble minds to actualize their dreams. No price is too much to pay for the man that desires freedom. This has created within me the requisite courage to sacrifice anything that stands between me and freedom. Only an emancipated man can give another freedom.
Opposition to changes is only natural. I will not allow any form of resistance deter me from pursuing the change I seek in my life and the world.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you?
“To the real Jonathan Seagull, who lives within us all.”
It is reassuring to know that within every one of us lies a Jonathan Seagull, who when discovered and harnessed can propel one to unimaginable heights irrespective of the person’s background, location, or physical attributes. All I need is to devote myself to a lifestyle of practice, and see myself touch perfection in my aspirations.
“We’re free to go where we wish and to be what we are.”
I must never allow inhibiting/limiting societal laws/expectations inundate me from actualizing my potentials.
“The price of being misunderstood, he thought. They call you
devil or they call you god.”
It will be counter-productive to allow my desire to be understood and accepted derail my quest for excellence.
“Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of
your body, too.”
Limitations start with having limiting thoughts in one’s mind. To enhance my performance and improve myself, I need to fundamentally break my inhibiting thoughts and start feeding myself with noble thoughts. This alone guarantees about 75% of my success story.
“The gull sees farthest who flies highest.”
My progress is predicated on the level of my mental disposition which is the sum total of the quality and amount of information at my disposal. To ensure improvement, therefore, I must aggressively pursue activities that will help increase my mental disposition.
“One school is finished, and the time has for another to begin.”
It is important for me never to settle for what I already have. To always reach for the next level of learning because learning never ends.
“Because any number is a limit and perfection doesn’t have
limits.”
Whenever life’s worth is equated with numbers, meaning is lost. True meaning is not in numbers/figures, it is in living. Always striving for improvement. Henceforth, I will not limit myself by reaching for a figure.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
There are two ideas in the book that I don’t agree with. They are:
Reincarnation: “Do you have any idea how many lives we must have gone through before we can get the idea that there is more to life than eating, or fighting, or power in the flock?” The writer by this statement suggests the existence of reincarnation. As a biologist that is conversant with the concept of adaptation and variation, I believe that animals/plants develop desirable traits to help them adapt and thrive in their environments. Some of these traits can be transferred to the next generation. But an idea that believes that an animal after its death can take up another body is simply unbelievable to me.
Vanishing/Teleportation: “Without warning, Chiang vanished and appeared at the water’s edge fifty feet away, all in the flicker of an instant. Then he vanished again and stood, in the same millisecond, at Jonathan’s shoulder.” I believe this idea of vanishing/teleportation is a superstitious belief and therefore has no place in the natural world.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercise and did you find them helpful?
No, I did not notice any.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
Personally, the above treated questions extensively handled all the concerns the book raised.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8.5
PsychoCybernetics
Assessment by Attah Isaac Chekwube (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea that the author tried to convey in this book is the need to get more life- to really live. This is possible when the boundaries of individual accomplishments are expanded. Therefore to achieve this, one must expand the area of the possible (self image) by changing every limiting identity he/she has of him/herself with reasonably satisfying and adequate self-image. Since this self-image is developed wittingly or unwittingly by our creative experience, it therefore can be changed by introducing positive goals to our automatic, servo-mechanism. This change is possible because our automatic, servo-mechanism cannot differentiate between real experience and vividly imagined experience.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List the seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Discovering Self-Image
Discovering Self-Image (Mental blueprint): This self-image must be adequate and realistic because no lasting change can be attained except that which is consistent with the individual’s self-image. This image is impersonal and will work automatically to achieve goals of happiness, success, failure etc., which are consistent with it. So, to improve the quality of my life, I must consciously present my automatic, goal-striving machine with success goals through creative thinking (imagination). In my early days as a salesman, I was really intimated about making calls and this affected my productivity. After reading Brain Tracy’s Psychology of selling I altered my self-image by reminding myself that I am made in God’s likeness and therefore was engineered to succeed. I also conditioned my automatic, servo-mechanism for success by presenting it with clear goals/targets.
ii. Giving myself an Emotional Face Lift
This involves relaxation of negative tensions to prevent scars, therapeutic forgiveness to remove old scars, providing myself with a tough epidermis, creative living, willingness to be a little vulnerable, and a nostalgia for the future instead of the past. There is no profitable association that does not involve interaction. To ensure peaceful coexistence, I must develop an epidermis that will serve as my shock absorber to accommodate the inevitable hurts without altering my sensitivity to the feelings of others. This tough epidermis empowers me to make calls to viable prospects even after they’ve disappointed me severally. Honestly, my best customers are normally those that were very difficulty at the start of our business relationship.
iii. Using Negative Feedback Data Properly
Negative experiences do not inhibit when properly used contributes to the learning process toward actualization of the desired positive goal. Errors, mistakes, failures, and sometimes even our humiliations, were necessary steps in the learning process. However, they were meant to be means to an end not the end itself. To actualize this, therefore, I must recognize that failing at a course does not make me a failure, but a lesson learnt. In 2012, I was invited for an interview by one of the biggest marketing pharmaceutical companies in the country. Although I did remarkably well in the written test, I flunked badly during the oral interview. Immediately, I reverted to making the best of the situation by asking the interviewers what they desire most in their prospective employees. Armed with these feedbacks, my next interview was a hit later that year.
iv. Dehypnotizing myself from false beliefs
“It is no exaggeration to say that every human being is hypnotized to some extent, either by ideas he has uncritically accepted from others, or ideas he has repeated to himself or convinced himself are true.” Fundamentally to experiencing more life is dehypnotizing myself from self-limiting beliefs. To achieve this, I must form a clear mental image of the desired end result, and to practice without effort toward reaching that goal. After my first two years in the university, my grade was an embarrassment. I had to practically close my ears to the voice in my head that incessantly called me a failure. My results in the subsequent years in the university and beyond validate the fact that commendable progress in life is only possible to the man that has dehypnotized himself of self-limiting beliefs.
v. Utilizing the Power of Rational Thinking
Knowing that our automatic mechanism (unconscious) is impersonal (has no will of its own), and that it only react appropriately to our current beliefs and interpretations concerning environment. It works only upon the data which you feed it in the form of ideas, beliefs, interpretations, opinions etc. I have learnt over the years that there is another side to all stories and events. This understanding has helped me in analyzing situations in my life properly.
vi. Power of Relaxation
“If we wish our trains of ideation and volition to be copious and varied and effective, we must form the habit of freeing them from inhibitive influence of reflection upon them, of egoistic preoccupation about their results.” Some years ago, as the drama director in my local church, my best stories were written immediately I wake up from sleep or a deep nap.
vii. Habit of Happiness can be Acquired
Dr. John A. Schindler defined happiness as “A state of mind in which our thinking is pleasant a good share of the time.” Happiness is a mental habit, a mental attitude, and if it is not learned and practiced in the present it is never experienced. I changed my name from Jonathan to Isaac (laughter) before my 18th birthday because I realizd that I can prevent birds from nesting on my head even though I cannot stop them from flying over it. Through the years, unpleasant things have happened to me but I am still standing, still living, and most importantly I am still happy.
3. How will these ideas/lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily life and in helping you to create a better world? If so, how?
Success is dependent on my ability to discover my real self-image that has been engineered by my creator for success. This discovery will aid my progress in actualizing all my noble ambitions, and will also influence people around to strive towards achieving such goals as well.
Experiencing more life is about living, relating, aspiring, imparting, and influencing ourselves and others positively. This involves constant interaction with self, and individuals of diverse background and beliefs. Therefore our ability to actualizing our personal and collective goals/objectives depends on our ability to accommodating our differences and harnessing our diversity. This is achievable when we’ve imbibe the need of giving ourselves emotional face lift.
To reach and actualize my goals, I must rely on my instinct/creative mechanism. Beyond this, I must be humble enough to accept that there will be some failings on my path to greatness, and smart enough to rationally evaluate the feedback data from the failed attempts. These failed experiences must be jettisoned once the lessons are learnt. These feedbacks will act as wind to my sail towards a better life, and a better world.
He that must change the world must believe he can. No man can effectively improve his life or positively affect his world if he still harbors self-limiting ideas about himself. By dehypnotizing myself of false beliefs, I’ve regained the “can do spirit” that is fundamental to achieving anything worthwhile.
Rational thinking aids sound decision and judgment. More so, when the results of this process are consistent with the discovered self-image, the effect on personal development is enormous. Daily my confidence in decision making is improving. This has helped me to face my world and environment with renewed optimism.
Relaxation is vital to the man that must influence his world. It helps to sharpen the saw and refuel the tank of the man. Learning the art of relaxation has helped me to maintain the same momentum during the day. I have no doubt that my world will be better if I can maintain this momentum for years.
More life is attainable when happiness is habitual rather than contingent on a particular circumstance(s). The importance of happiness to experiencing more life cannot be over emphasized. Once I’ve developed this indispensible habit, it will create an enabling environment for the actualization of my daily targets and personal goals. The actualization of these objectives makes my world a better place in no small measure because even the best of intentions and dreams cannot survive in a hostile environment.
4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.
“The greatest mistake a man can make is to be afraid of making one.”
The surest way to having more life is through experiencing. To achieve this expectation, I must be willing to undertake daring tasks, and be open to using feedbacks from failed attempts to improving future outcomes.
“There are no great and no small.”
I am encouraged to know that we are all capable of greatness, even me. I am not inhibited by anything but me. I must believe that every success can be replicated, and innovative achievements attainable.
“Men are disturbed not by things that happen, but by their opinion of the things that happen.”
Perception is everything. I will experience more life if I develop an attitude of seeing opportunities in everything irrespective of its presentation.
“Imagination rules the world.”
I can attain any height and reach any goal I can vividly hold in my mind, and consistently work towards actualizing. If I can visualize it, I can be it.
“Nothing succeeds like Success.”
Nothing encourages success like a successfully completed task. Once a successful project is developed, it creates a pattern that helps our servo-mechanism to perform other similar projects easily. To be successfully, I must feed my automatic, servo-mechanism with success irrespective of the measure.
5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?
No, there are none.
6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?
Yes, there are a lot of practical exercises in the book. I didn’t complete all of them but the ones I completed were really helpful. For example, especially the ones that had to do with creating new mental picture and consciously altering some habits.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.
No, there is none.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 7
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 8
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 7.5