As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Cecilia Kithinji (Kenya)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
One’s life and actions as well as outcomes are dictated by their subconscious thinking. Our thoughts progressively shape our character and life hence it’s important to take charge of the thoughts we entertain. There is little influence from external factors.
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. Character is built from thought patterns.
What eventually comes out the person as I am; my behavior, my choices, my direction in life, the consequences of my thoughts, conditions of life and all is from an ingrained way of thinking that my mind has normalized. A different thought patter would probably translate into different outcomes. For example, I became a lawyer my thinking of what if I became one and allowing my mind to explore the possibilities. Then I thought about my career path and here I am all that I am with all the demands of the profession. I have since grown from entertaining and furthering that though to my current position and way of life. It is now my identity and measure of success.
ii. One can master myself no matter the afflictions of life.
When I can master my thoughts, I can master myself; my choices, my actions, my character and my environment and its condition and how it relates and affect me. I take charge of the me in and without. It will not matter how week or alone I may be.
For example, in my career I make tough choice at time when everyone is looking up at me and there is no time to retreat even when I have had a bad morning; a woman who breaks down in the middle of a court hearing- I control my thoughts and master the situation, my reactions and outcomes. I apply my best understanding and remain focused being patient with them.
iii. One can achieve calmness if one put my mind to it.
The more one understands themselves and controls their mind thus reactions they evolve and can govern themselves. We remain poised, steadfast and serene. One becomes cultured. No explosive tempers, there is self-control and balance. The wind and storms of the soul obey such a person.
For example, my job does not permit me to get carried away and lose my temperament as it is unethical hence is adapt myself by controlling my thoughts and thus my reactions so I do not descend to the arena of the disputes before me and serve clients soberly.
iv. Create a harmonious existence by synchronizing my thoughts and my surroundings in a positive manner.
When I choose my thoughts, I indirectly shape my circumstances. The writer says; “that nature helps every man to the gratification of the thoughts he encourages and from there opportunities are presented and the word plays around the person. Good thoughts give positive outcomes while bad/negative thoughts generate negative outcomes. For example, when I have been certain that something is wrong from within me things can only go wrong but deep breaths and I wade those thoughts off and see the positive side of things. My body obeys the operation of my mind.”
v. One should develop a central purpose then gather their thoughts and focus.
There is need to exert oneself, put effort, practice and strengthen what on what it is that I seek to achieve. I will set out to accomplish that purpose and thus direct and control my thoughts watching to ensure to attain the purpose. One develops strength of character and is able to tack challenges and hardships to attain their purpose once their thoughts are fixed on it. Think with purpose. The writer says; “that a man can only rise, conquer and achieve by lifting his thoughts.”
As young girl I told myself I can find a better world than the tedious household and farm activity, that there must be a better world out there. I purposed to study and became a performer and told here I am.
vi. It takes a sacrifice, abandoning our animal thoughts, efforts and faith, not chance, to achieve the vision one glorifies in the mind.
One has to alter their mind to avoid bad and unfruitful thinking and replace it with positive aspirations and dreams. Desire and cherish the good from within the mind and manifest it. The writer says that dream loft dreams and as you dream so you shall become. One receives the exact results of their thoughts, what they earn. One becomes as great at their dominant understanding or as small as their controlling desire regardless of their environment and thus fall, remain or rise with their thoughts.
One will overcome trials, failures and struggles to realize their vision as conceived in their thoughts. The writer says; “that in all human affairs there are efforts and there are results and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result and gifts, power, material, intellectual and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; thoughts completed, objects accomplished, vision realized.” For example, going through school and the ranks in employment takes effort, sacrifice and strength despite the struggles.
vii. Outside conditions do not make a man
The soul attracts what it secretly harbors. I take responsibility for what I become. My thoughts are the seed and soil of my being and what is visible on the outside of me. I cannot blame others but instead alter circumstances by adjusting my mental condition. The write says that the outside conditions of a man will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. Out of one’s thoughts, circumstances germinate so for example I have certain affiliations, associations, residence, possessions and career progression thus my general condition of life because of the development allowed through my thought processes.
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?
Character is built from thought patterns hence it is important to take charge of our thought patterns entertaining only positive thoughts and encourage my team members to do so towards excellence at job.
One can master themself no matter the afflictions of life; the capacity to take charge of oneself is within and will not be altered by for instance even a client’s attitude and challenges.
One can achieve calmness if one put their mind to it. A calm mind has capacity to grow and active near perfection in discharge of mandate especially while handling clients and colleagues.
Create a harmonious existence by synchronizing my thoughts and my surroundings in a positive manner. This is helpful to adapt myself to varying circumstances.
One should develop a central purpose then gather their thoughts and focus. There is need to define objectives and concentrate on the specific goals and attainment of set purpose.
It takes a sacrifice, abandoning our animal thoughts, efforts and faith, not chance, to achieve the vision one glorifies in the mind. Nothing good comes the easy way, there is a lot of work needed to achieve what one sets their mind to.
Outside conditions do not make a man. Once the will is strengthened through consistent right thinking and purpose what I encounter won’t change my character and actions. I remain the same despite changes work 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 soul attracts that which it secretly harbours, that which it loves and so that which it fears.”
“Strong, pure and happy thoughts build up the body in vigor and grace.”
“A man’s weakness and strength, purity and impurity are hid and not another man’s.”
“Achievement of whatever kind is the crown of effort, the diadem of thought.”
These quotes encourage right thinking and taking mindful of consequences.
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.
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?
No exercises.
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 content is sufficient.
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? 9
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Cecilia Kithinji (Kenya)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
One can develop their capacity of doing and achieving a lot through what they conceptualize it to be in their mind. How far we get in life is controlled by what is set in our mind. One can be a high achiever by exploiting the thoughts from within. The society we live in and those we interact with and especially those we look up to as leaders to guide us have a lot of influence on what we become and can either limit us or urge us to achieve more. We must be ready to allow our minds wonder and be different from the pack.
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. Getting out of the comfort Zone
The interactions we find ourselves in and accept as the normal life can feel easy and fill our entire life span. One could easily fit in and follow the laws. It is however possible to get out of the comfort zone and do things differently, albeit alone. Jon practiced alone at times making painful curves, stalls and falls. Other gulls he knew then flew only to find food. He opted to go out to fly for flight itself and the heights he could attain and didn’t know what was beyond the skies he can see. His parents inquired why he could not be like other gull but he wanted to know what more there was to life.
ii. Allowing oneself to explore
Jonathan was keen to know what there was and what he could do. Not just fly for food and when food was found by looking at the boats then there was nothing more left to life. He wanted to learn and did not find satisfaction in flying to get food. It is important to find joy in exploring what matters and open up to new things.
iii. Putting thought to action
Jonathan was keen to follow his way of thinking even when he came out as different. He went on to practice. Same was with other birds that discovering flight and being different even when they became outcasts. Working on the ideas that one births is encouraged and there is no limitation.
iv. Seeking mentorship/guidance
Jonathan and Fletcher did not hesitate to engage with superior for guidance and mentorship. They took it as naturally as the instructor. This broadened their capacity by challenging them. When Jon and later Fletcher had no one to look up to he trusted his mind but when he found someone, he could depend for guidance he did not hesitate to engage with them and give back when others too needed the same. Jonathan was there every hour, at the side of each of his students flying with them, demonstrating, suggesting, pressuring and guiding.
v. Helping others
When Jonathan discovered the new horizons, he worried about the gulls he had left behind and those who may want to learn and made a resolve to reach out to them. He did not return immediately but eventually did. To thrive and carry others along to the horizons learnt. He worked with new gulls coming in, yearned to fetch those he left behind and eventually did and became their instructor.
vi. Never give up
That seagulls are known to never falter or stall and to stall in the air is for them disgrace and dishonor is a position that can be stressed beyond imagination into unknown levels, worlds. Holding that believe can mean carrying out all manner of maneuvers and succeeding every time as new horizons emerge. Even when Sea gull lost control due to high speed, even when he was declared an outcast and when he had second thoughts, he would carry on. Sometimes the weight of failure can heavy; Seagull wished at some that the weight could be enough to drug him gently to the bottom and kill him. He almost gave up and entertained backwards thoughts but there was no retreat, he didn’t. In the trail of thoughts came a novel idea on how to utilize his wingtips. He didn’t need anything new, what he had was all he needed, we do. He kept soaring and discovering new capabilities from within. Every time he wanted to back to the old self, he found new reason to explore and get better. One mat rest but not stop.
vii. Setting the pace
Jonathan was a first even at the though that one could fly for more than traditional purposes. He set the pace and went on discovering many realities. There were others ready to follow once the path had been beaten. He always set out to discover and practice many things even when he did not know it was possible. It is even said that he had flown the first aerobics of any sea gull on earth, he discovered the loop, the slow roll, the point roll, the inverted spin, the gull bunt and the pinwheel etc. All this he did eve when it was not easy. He broke from the normal and when he returned back to the flock where he came from, he once more set the pace.
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?
Getting out of the comfort Zone: It is possible to get out of the comfort zone and do things differently in a way that we open ourselves to growth. Some of the actions will be undertaken alone so as to learn and experiment. Find a purpose even where there are limiting factors. Be eager for new experiences.
Allowing oneself to explore: It is important to find joy in exploring what matters and open up to new things; one school is finished and the time has come for another to begin.
Putting thought to action: It is important for one to develop and action the ideas that one births and there is no limitation. This leads to innovation and improved work methods.
Seeking mentorship/guidance: One should not hesitate to engage with superior for guidance and mentorship.
Helping others: When one discovers the new horizons, it is recommended to ensure the team is carried along and with new gulls coming in, yearned to fetch those he left behind and eventually did and became their instructor.
Never give up: One has to believe in self and power within even in the moments we may be stressed to our limits, to always forge ahead.
Setting the pace: It is good to think beyond the traditional way of doing things and set the pace for new realities. Others will be ready to follow once the path had been beaten. Be innovative and transformative.
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.
“We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and skill.”
“Following a meaning, a higher purpose in life.”
“Heaven is being perfect.”
“Disappear from where he had been rooted for long. The gull sees furthest who flies highest. He knew with practiced ease that he was not borne and feathers but a perfect idea of freedom and flight, limited by nothing at all.”
“I don’t care what they say. Everything that limit us, we have to put aside.”
“There is so much more to flying than just flapping around from one place! A mosquito does that!
“Break the chains of your thought and you break the chains of your body too.”
“You have to practice and see the real gull, the good in every one of them, and to help them see it in themselves.”
These quotes encourage self-determination, growth and discipline in leading others, making decisions and finding satisfaction in life. No limitations.
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 could have been a story line told from real human experiences that carry similar experiences and lessons but maybe, it would be an interesting read.
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?
No exercises.
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 kind of leadership that does not adapt to growth is outsmarted like the leader of the flock, after all others have transformed.
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? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9