Eddie Ombagi – Assessments

As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by: Eddie Ombagi

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
James Allen argues that man is the master of his life. That through man’s thoughts, do actions manifest themselves. He argues that we are the makers of ourselves through our thoughts which we choose and encourage. That our mind is the architect of both character and circumstance. He masterfully weaves the scenario that indeed man is the master of thought, molder of character and maker and shaper of condition, environment and destiny. We are what we think. Powerfully, he argues that thought and characters are one. What we think in our minds is reflected through our actions in our day to day life. Therefore, through character does circumstance sets in. Allen says that our inner state is a direct reflection of our outer state. What we think is what we live. Thus the outer conditions of our lives will be harmoniously related to our inner state.

He says man is inhibited as long as his mind allows him to. If he believes he is controlled by outside conditions then circumstance will rule his life, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and that he may command the energy within himself then he becomes the rightful master of himself.

A man with negative thoughts will have a negative life but a man with positive thoughts will have a fuller enriching life. If a man radically changes his thoughts, he will be astonished at the rapid transformation of his life.

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. As a man thinketh in his life so is he – this means that what I contrive in my mind would be manifest in my life. I have truly realized that whenever I have depressing thoughts, I usually find everything depressing in my life and when I have happy thoughts then everything in life looks okay even though they may not be so. This is indeed a true reflection.

ii.  Man is the master of thought, molder of character, shaper of condition – we are the architects of what surrounds us. I understand that I am responsible for whatever happens in my life whether internally or externally and that through this, we shape our lives. Throughout my life I realize that whatever circumstances I find myself in, the ultimate outcome would be based on how I react to it, how I approach it and how my mind regards the condition. If I consider it insurmountable then it will be so. If I believe that nothing is impossible then the universe will answer my call.

iii.   Man is always master, even in his weaker and most abandoned state- in our weak moments, we always believe that we are helpless and that the world is crashing down upon us. Truth is even in our dire state, we still hold the key to power. We are the captain of the ship only that it’s experiencing rough weather. And in rough weather, we do not abandon the ship but we fight to regain control. So to regain control, we need to discover within ourselves the laws of thought that will ultimately guide us.

iv. Thought and character are one- what we think is what we are and what we will emit to the world. If we think negative thoughts then we will be negative in our actions and activities and vice versa. What we think inwardly will be perfectly consistent with what we are outwardly. I am where I am by my law of being. My thoughts which I have cultivated build my character that brings me where I am. Indeed what the souls admire, the body gets.

v. Circumstances does not make the man, it reveals him to himself – as we are the lord and master of thought, maker of ourselves, shaper and author of our environment, no conditions however dire or serious can truly define us. The environment cannot force us to fall into vice if we didn’t want, the environment cannot compel us to do what we do not want to. Indeed we do not attract what we want, but what we are through our thoughts.

vi. Thoughts of doubt and fear always produce failure. Doubts and fears should be rigorously eliminated for they are disintegrating elements which break up effort. When fear and doubt creeps in, all strong thoughts, power and energy cease to be. When I set myself up to do something, it is always because I know I can. Therefore doubt and fear kills that knowledge and automatically leads to failure.

vii. Thought allied to purpose becomes a creative powerful force. When we have positive and enriching thoughts added to a clear purpose then we can become higher and stronger.

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?

First, in understanding that we are the masters of our lives, I will be able to align my thoughts in ways that can help soar higher. I will strive to avoid negative thoughts and aim to have positive and fulfilling thoughts. I will understand that the universe answers to my inner desires and thoughts. What I secretly yearn, the universe achieve. Through my thoughts, do I emit a force that ultimately determines the position I will occupy in the world.

I also realize that to achieve greatly in the world, you need to sacrifice greatly. A lot of effort is needed to make that difference and if I persevere through, I will an achiever. My achievement would be measurement by the how I handle disappointments in life. If I dwell on noble and lofty dreams, no doubt I will achieve my destiny and indeed change the world.

In changing the world, if we could all understand that it is our thoughts that determine our direction in life, then the world would be indeed a better place. If we could all appreciate that we are what we think, and start to develop positive thoughts, that are enriching and fulfilling, then the world would be a better place. I would hope that everyone would internalize this simple aspect: that as a man thinketh, so he is. If we all do that then we wouldn’t need to change the world, for it would be changed already.

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.

a. He who would achieve much must sacrifice much- all achievements are as a result of right thoughts and great effort. If I need to achieve much in life, I need to put in a lot more effort coupled with right thoughts.

b. He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it- simply put, if you nurture your dreams diligently, you will achieve immensely. When we dream lofty dreams, we shall become and our vision is the promise of what we shall be one day. Indeed the greatest achievements in the world were once just but a dream for dreams are the seedlings of reality.

c. Strong individuals recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment- through failure do we learn our mistakes and change. Only strong individuals make all conditions serve them without being bogged down by disappointments.

d. You cannot travel within and stand still without- if you have a burning desire in your heart, coupled with the right attitude and thoughts, your outer world will react to your inner world and you will achieve the desire. Your circumstances however sorry will not remain so for long if you perceive an ideal and strive to achieve it.

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?

None at all

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?

The book did not expressly give exercises, but through its discourse one unconsciously strives to practice what it is said in the book. Not only did I follow promptly the instructions on how to have positive thoughts and energy, I also enjoyed the chapter on Vision and Ideals, where James Allen encourages me to nurture and cherish my ideals. The chapter actually inspired me and remains my favorite. He says, ‘cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart; the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all, heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will be at last be built.’ What better inspiring words than these?

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.

The last chapter on serenity was indeed a powerful one. In a world full of chaos, what better way to relax than have peace? Most people indeed forget that calmness of the mind is indeed a blessing and whoever masters that is an achiever. The chapter reminded me of the Rudyard Kipling’s poem ‘IF’ which says, ‘If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs….Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!’ indeed calmness is power.

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? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D.  Would you recommend it to others? 10
E.  What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment By Eddie Ombagi (Kenya)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Richard Bach’s Jonathan Seagull is a powerful story on life and self perfection. It tells the story of a seagull who realized there is more to life than just fighting for crumbs in the shores. He realized that to discover yourself, you have to chart new waters, wade into unfamiliar grounds and take calculated risks. The book and its characters are a mirror of us as human. It emphasizes the fact that we are limitless in our endeavors. Whatever we desire to achieve, provided we are in the right state of mind, we can actually achieve that and more. The underlying principle is that we can do whatever we want to do. Bach cautions that fear is the only limiting factor in all our activities, and if we can conquer it, then the world becomes our stage. He also focuses on the need to be determined in whatever we are doing just like the way Jonathan was determined to fly even running the risk of being banished from the flock. We also need to be passionate, for passion determines your success or failure. He further emphasizes on the need to constantly learn, to be curious, to thirst for knowledge and to always surprise yourself. In the book, one understands what sets apart the successful and the rest. You also learn who truly live and the others who exist. Jonathan Seagull perfectly mirrors the contemporary society where some people may be averse to change. It only takes an individual who is courageous enough to risk it all and be the face of change. This individual becomes a pioneer in the establishment of a new order of things that ultimately shapes the society forever. Through limitless courage, deep passion and strong determination Jonathan achieved what was never thought possible in the history of the Seagull existence. True to his noble character, he decides to mentor others who want to experience their limitless existence through love and kindness.

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.

a. Your thoughts determine who you are – this statement is indeed powerful, that whatever you think builds up as you. That by our thoughts, we become. It is telling that what your mind conjures up has a way of becoming a reality through your action. What this basically means is that we are wholly responsible for our lives and actions. In my personal life, I realize that am the master of my ship, the captain of my soul. Therefore what I do is usually a result of my thoughts.

b. Determination brings about success – nothing comes on a silver platter. The road to success is usually laden with pain, sacrifice and hard work. This I can relate with because the few things that I have achieved in my life has been after a lot of hard work and pain.

c. Curiosity is the first step to learning – through being curious, always wanting to know and having the desire to understand makes it easier to learn. In my life I know that all that I am is the sum of my curious nature. I keep on surprising myself daily whenever I attempt things that I had no idea I could.

d. Passion determines your level of success –if one has a strong desire to achieve something then the rate of success will be high because he has set his mind and heart that he will achieve it. Personally, I never attempt something without having this crazy almost maddening desire to achieve. To me, it never really is about winning but the fact that I wholly tried.

e. Do not be afraid – this is a poignant factor in any endeavor. When fear creeps in, doubts sets in and you can never achieve anything if your heart is not convinced of the outcome. Whenever I attempt to do anything and I have doubts, immediately my energy levels go down and that means failure.

f.  Be a dreamer – having lofty ambitions and creative imaginations is key to success for it directs your energies. It makes you focused and determined. When am doing a task, I always envision the end, how it would be and how I would feel. This way, I summon all the will power to accomplish the task.

g.  Be courageous – courage is really important to achieve exceptional success. Through courage can one get the sense of direction to achieve a lot in whatever endeavor. To me, courage is what gives me the will to make the extra step.

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?

First, the book has shown me that to succeed in life I have to banish fear out of my psyche for it brings failure. Secondly, I need to have the right state of mind in order to accomplish a task. I have realized that we are our thoughts and that whatever we conceive in our minds; we actualize it in real life. Thirdly, I have discovered that constant learning is key to self development and growth. We need to be ready and curious to learn. Learning is the food of the mind and constant knowledge makes the mind healthy. Further, reading the book one realizes the value of determination. Jonathan Seagull achieved all that by being determined to the cause, his eyes were on the prize and he did not care about the distractions. If we realize that there always would be critics in our quest to achieve a goal but maintain our vigor to it then we are successful. Passion was also a factor in the success of Jonathan and his team. Their zeal to learn flying was never cut short. If we too as human beings always remain passionate in whatever that we are doing, then we have everything made. Further, we need to show love and kindness to others who may be on the same path as ours. I believe learning is enjoyable when shared, when we learn from the mistakes of each other. Once we achieve a feat that may have been thought impossible, we need not boast of our achievement but carefully mentor others who are in the path.

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.

a.  I am ready – his was said severally by Jonathan. This phrase sums up all there is in the book. I have printed out the words and pasted them on my bedroom wall. This statement shows a commitment to go through whatever you have decided to do. It also depicts a right mental attitude that separates winners from losers.

b. We choose our next world through what we learn in this one – this statement tells that our future depends on our present. The element of preparation is key in future. If I learn nothing in this world, then the next world will be the same as this.

c. You are capable of doing whatever you want to do – this was said by Chiang to Jonathan, that whatever you want to do, so long as it is conceived by your mind and if you believe strongly that you can achieve it then you will achieve it. The trick is to not see your limitations as it will magnify fear but to understand that our success is limitless.

d. Your whole body, from wingtip to wingtip, is nothing more than your thought itself – our circumstances and state of being is determined by our thoughts. If I have negative thoughts, then I will have a negative life and vice versa. In order for me to break new grounds, I need to understand that if I can break the chains of my thought, I can break the chains of my body and circumstance.

e. Understand who you are – spoken by Jonathan by gulls who wanted to fly like him. To my life, I realize once I know myself and my strengths, I can align my energies to the activities that would bring out my best qualities. Through knowing myself, I will have known my interests, my desires and ambitions and will consciously strive to achieve them through the activities I will undertake.

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?
None at all

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?

The book did not provide exercises for me to complete but it gave a motivation to follow the principles as outlined for self growth. I am glad because I had been following some of the principles of the book and the book reminded me that I was indeed in the right direction. The book offered a clear and simple explanation on why sometimes people limit themselves and the sacrifice on e has to undergo if he decides not to limit himself. I am living by those principles: that I am free; limitless and can achieve whatever that I put my mind to it.

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.

Chiang, the elder gull, emphasized something to Jonathan that is indeed important. That we need to practice love and kindness to others in the process of self growth. In order to have a perfect life, we need to show love to others and be kind to them. We should also strive to bring out the best in others. In affirming our power and strength, we need to affirm another’s strength and power. This way we conquer our souls.
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? 10
B.  How helpful were the contents? 10
C.  How easy was it to understand? 10
D.  Would you recommend it to others? 10
E.  What is the overall rating you would give it? 10