As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Yosif Elobeid (Morocco)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to communicate in this book?
The central idea of As a Man Thinking is that thoughts are the foundation of character, behavior, and life outcomes. James Allen emphasizes that individuals are not victims of fate or circumstance, but active creators of their reality through habitual thinking. According to the author, external conditions reflect internal mental states, and lasting change begins in the mind.
What impacted me most is the book’s insistence on personal responsibility. Allen does not allow room for blame or excuses. He presents the mind as both the cause of suffering and the key to transformation. Success, peace, and fulfillment depend on disciplined thinking and moral clarity.
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. Thoughts shape character
This helped me recognize how long-term thinking patterns influenced my confidence and decisions.
ii. Circumstances reflect inner states
Instead of blaming situations, I learned to examine my mindset first.
iii. Self-discipline leads to empowerment
Discipline was reframed as a form of self-respect rather than limitation.
iv. Purpose provides direction
Clear purpose prevents wasted effort and emotional confusion.
v. Integrity creates lasting success
This idea reminded me that success without ethics leads to inner conflict.
vi. Vision precedes achievement
Every accomplishment begins as a mental image, reinforcing the power of intention.
vii. Serenity is true strength
Calmness under pressure became my personal measure of maturity and growth.
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?
Practically, this book encourages daily awareness of my thoughts. By choosing constructive thinking, I can improve leadership, relationships, and emotional balance. On a broader level, individuals who take responsibility for their inner world contribute to healthier, more accountable societies.
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.
“As a man thinking in his heart, so is he.”
This quote captures the essence of the book and constantly reminds me that identity begins internally.
“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
This challenged me to focus on personal growth rather than external pursuit.
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?
The book places strong emphasis on individual responsibility and does not deeply address social or systemic challenges. While empowering, this perspective may oversimplify complex realities.
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 formal exercises, but I applied the principles by consciously observing and correcting my thought patterns.
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.
Despite being written over a century ago, the book remains highly relevant, demonstrating the timeless nature of its principles. Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing my journey with IIGL and to receiving the Level One materials.
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? 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
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Yosif Elobeid (Morocco)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to communicate in this book?
The main idea Richard Bach communicates in Jonathan Livingston Seagull is that life is meant for growth, self-discovery, and reaching one’s highest potential rather than merely surviving or conforming to social expectations. Through the character of Jonathan, Bach illustrates the inner conflict faced by individuals who sense that their purpose goes beyond what is traditionally accepted by their community.
To me, the book is fundamentally about freedom—freedom of thought, freedom of identity, and freedom from fear. Jonathan’s passion for flying represents a deeper desire to understand himself and push beyond imposed limitations. The author emphasizes that perfection is not external approval or social status, but an internal realization of one’s capabilities and values.
Another key idea is that learning is a continuous process. Each level of mastery opens the door to another, and comfort often becomes the greatest barrier to growth. Finally, Bach introduces the responsibility that comes with growth: once an individual reaches a higher level of understanding, they are called to help others do the same, even if that help is misunderstood or rejected.
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. Life is more than survival
This idea resonated deeply with me because there were times in my life when my focus was limited to daily survival rather than meaningful growth. Jonathan reminded me that living without purpose slowly diminishes the human spirit.
ii. Growth may require standing alone
Jonathan’s exile helped me accept that choosing personal development can sometimes lead to isolation. I learned that being misunderstood is often part of transformation.
iii. Discipline creates freedom
Jonathan’s mastery came from disciplined practice. This reinforced my belief that real freedom is built through consistency and effort, not avoidance.
iv. Fear is learned, not permanent
The flock’s fear of change reflected how fear has shaped many of my past decisions. The book encouraged me to question fear instead of obeying it.
v. Failure is a necessary teacher
Jonathan’s repeated failures reminded me that mistakes are not evidence of weakness but part of learning and growth.
vi. True leadership is service
Jonathan’s return to teach others reshaped my understanding of leadership as responsibility rather than authority.
vii. Perfection exists in the present
The idea that perfection is “being there” helped me focus on presence and awareness rather than constant self-judgment.
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?
Practically, this book encourages me to evaluate success based on inner alignment rather than external validation. In daily life, I will apply discipline more intentionally and accept discomfort as part of progress. On a broader level, the message of compassionate leadership inspires me to support others who feel limited by fear or exclusion, contributing to more purpose-driven and empathetic communities.
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.
“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self.”
This quote affirmed the importance of authenticity and reminded me that self-acceptance is not selfish but necessary.
“One school is finished, another begun.”
This quote reminded me that growth never ends and that each achievement is simply a transition into deeper learning.
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?
At times, the idea of immediate spiritual mastery felt idealistic. Real growth often requires extended emotional and psychological effort. However, I understand that the book communicates symbolically rather than literally
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 include formal exercises, but I treated each chapter as a reflective exercise by examining my own beliefs and limitations during reading.
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 simplicity of the book is one of its greatest strengths, allowing readers from diverse cultural backgrounds to connect with its message.
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? 9
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
Keys to Success
Assessment by Yosif Elobeid (Morocco)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea of Keys to Success is that success is not the result of luck or circumstances alone, but rather the outcome of clear goals, a positive mental attitude, persistence, and disciplined action. The authors emphasize that every individual has the ability to improve his life if he develops the right habits of thinking and consistently works toward a definite purpose.
The book explains that successful people are not necessarily more talented than others, but they are more focused, more determined, and more consistent in their actions. By following certain principles such as goal setting, self-discipline, and learning from failure anyone can gradually move closer to success in both personal and professional 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. One of the most important concepts I learned is the idea of having a “Definite Major Purpose.”
Before reading this book, I had general hopes and wishes about my future, but I did not always have a clearly defined direction. The authors explain that when a person has a clear and specific goal, his energy, time, and decisions become more organized and purposeful. This concept made me realize that success is not only about working hard, but about working in the right direction.
ii. Another important concept is the power of a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA).
The book shows that attitude affects not only how we feel, but also how we interpret challenges and how others respond to us. A positive attitude helps a person stay motivated during difficulties, while a negative attitude can turn small problems into major obstacles.
iii. I also learned the importance of persistence.
The authors give many examples of people who faced repeated failures before achieving success. This helped me understand that setbacks are a normal part of progress and should not be seen as a final defeat.
iv. What I liked most about Keys to Success is its practical and motivational tone.
The book is not only about theories; it provides clear principles and examples that show how successful people think and act. The real-life stories included in the book made the ideas more relatable and easier to understand.
v. I also appreciated the strong emphasis on personal responsibility.
vi. The authors repeatedly remind the reader that while we cannot control every situation, we can control our reactions, our effort, and our persistence.
This message is both challenging and encouraging because it places the power for change in the hands of the individual.
vii. Another way I am applying the book is by developing stronger daily habits.
The authors explain that success is not usually the result of one big action, but of many small, consistent steps. This idea motivated me to pay more attention to how I spend my time each day and to avoid habits that do not support my long-term goals.
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?
I can apply the ideas from Keys to Success by becoming more intentional about my goals and daily actions. One of the first steps I am taking is to define my major goals more clearly, both in my career and in my personal life. Instead of saying that I want a “better future,” I am trying to write down specific targets and timelines so that I can measure my progress.
I am also working on maintaining a more positive mental attitude, especially during stressful situations. In the past, when things did not go as planned, I sometimes focused too much on what went wrong instead of looking for solutions. The book encouraged me to shift my focus toward what I can learn from each situation and what I can do next to improve the outcome.
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.
One quote that was very meaningful to me is: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
This quote is powerful because it highlights the connection between belief and achievement. In my own life, I noticed that when I doubted my abilities, I often avoided taking risks or trying new opportunities. This quote reminded me that belief is not just a feeling; it directly influences the actions I am willing to take.
Another quote that stood out to me is: “A positive mental attitude is the right mental attitude in all circumstances.”
This idea is important to me because life is not always easy or predictable. There are moments of stress, disappointment, and uncertainty. Knowing that I still have control over my attitude gives me a sense of stability and responsibility, even when external conditions are difficult.
These quotes are meaningful to me because they connect directly to my past experiences and encourage me to take more responsibility for my thoughts, choices, and reactions.
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?
One aspect that I found slightly difficult was that some parts of the book felt very optimistic to the point that they seemed unrealistic in certain situations. While I understand the importance of positive thinking, I also believe that real-life challenges sometimes require more complex solutions than simply maintaining a positive attitude. However, I still understand that the main purpose of the book is to encourage readers to develop a stronger and more resilient mindset.
Another minor difficulty was that the book contains many principles and examples, which at times felt overwhelming. It required careful reading and reflection to fully understand how all the ideas connect with each other. Despite this, I believe that the repetition of key principles helped reinforce the message of the book.
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?
None other then the practical application of keeping a positive attitude.
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.
I gave it a high rating because the book provides a comprehensive guide to building a success-oriented mindset and offers many practical principles that can be applied in everyday life. It helped me think more seriously about my goals, my attitude, and my level of persistence.
I did not give it a perfect 10 because some sections felt overly optimistic and repetitive. However, the overall message of the book is very motivating and valuable, especially for anyone who wants to develop better habits, clearer goals, and a stronger sense of direction in life.
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? 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
PsychoCybernetics
Assessment by Yosif Elobeid (Morocco)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea of PsychoCybernetics is that a person’s self-image plays a central role in determining his or her behavior, achievements, and overall quality of life. Dr. Maxwell Maltz explains that every individual operates according to an internal “success mechanism” or “failure mechanism” that is guided by the way we see ourselves. If a person has a negative self-image, even strong talent and opportunities may not lead to success because the mind will subconsciously guide the person back to familiar patterns of failure. On the other hand, when someone develops a healthy and confident self-image, his actions, decisions, and emotional responses begin to align with success.
The book also emphasizes that the human brain works in a similar way to a guided missile system: it needs a clear target to function effectively. When we define our goals clearly and believe that we are capable of achieving them, our subconscious mind begins to work in our favor, helping us notice opportunities, solve problems, and stay motivated.
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. One of the most important concepts I learned is that self-image is not fixed; it can be changed and improved through conscious effort.
Before reading this book, I used to think that confidence and personality were mostly determined by upbringing or natural traits. However, Dr. Maltz shows that through visualization, positive thinking, and repeated practice, a person can literally reprogram the way he sees himself.
ii. Another concept that stood out to me is the idea that mistakes and failures are not personal defects but feedback.
Just like a machine adjusts its course when it detects an error, we should treat our failures as signals that help us improve rather than as proof that we are not good enough. This idea helped me rethink how I react to setbacks in my life, both in my personal and professional experiences.
iii. I also learned about the importance of imagination.
The author explains that the brain does not clearly distinguish between real experiences and vividly imagined ones. This means that by imagining ourselves acting confidently, speaking clearly, or achieving a goal, we are training our nervous system to behave that way in real situations. This was a new and powerful idea for me because it shows that mental practice can be as important as physical practice.
iv. The book combines psychology with practical advice.
The author does not only explain theories; he also gives exercises and real-life examples from his work as a plastic surgeon. Seeing how people’s lives changed after improving their self-image made the ideas feel more realistic and believable.
v. I appreciated the writing style.
Even though the book discusses psychological concepts, it is written in a way that is understandable and relatable. The examples of patients who changed their lives after changing their self-image made the message more powerful because they showed that these ideas are not only theoretical but can be applied in everyday life.
vi. Past Mistakes
I am also trying to treat my past mistakes differently. Instead of feeling ashamed or discouraged, I am learning to analyze what went wrong and what I can do better next time. This approach reduces stress and helps me stay focused on progress rather than regret.
vii. Visualization
Another way I am applying the book is through visualization. I started spending a few minutes each day imagining myself speaking confidently, making good decisions, and achieving my goals. This helps me feel calmer and more prepared when I face real-life situations such as meetings, conversations, or making important decisions.
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?
I can apply the ideas from PsychoCybernetics in several areas of my life, especially in my career, communication with others, and personal confidence. As someone who is working to improve his professional life and build a stable future, I realized that many of my limitations were not external but internal. At times, I hesitated to take opportunities or approach new people because I was unsure of my own value. After reading this book, I understood that this hesitation is directly connected to my self-image.
One practical step I am taking is to consciously change the way I talk to myself. Instead of thinking, “I might fail” or “I am not ready,” I am trying to replace these thoughts with more constructive ones such as, “I am learning,” or “I can improve with practice.” This may seem simple, but I noticed that my mood and motivation change when I use more supportive self-talk.
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.
One quote that was very meaningful to me is: “You will act like the sort of person you conceive yourself to be.”
This statement made me reflect deeply on how much of my behavior is shaped by my own beliefs about myself. In the past, when I thought of myself as someone who is not very confident or not very successful, I unconsciously behaved in ways that confirmed that belief. This quote helped me realize that changing my self-image is not just about feeling better emotionally; it directly affects my actions and results.
“Happiness is a state of mind in which our thinking is pleasant a good share of the time.”
This idea is important to me because it shifts the responsibility for happiness from external circumstances to internal thinking. It reminded me that even when life is difficult, I still have some control over my reactions and mental attitude.
These quotes are important to me because they connect directly to my personal experiences. I have gone through periods in my life where negative thinking made situations feel worse than they really were. Understanding that I have the power to guide my thoughts gives me a sense of responsibility but also a sense of hope.
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?
One aspect that I found a bit challenging was that some parts of the book felt repetitive. The author often returns to the same main idea about self-image in different chapters. While I understand that repetition can help reinforce the message, at times it made the reading feel slower. However, I also recognize that this repetition helped me remember the key concepts more clearly.
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?
Another difficulty was applying some of the exercises consistently. It is easy to read about visualization and positive thinking, but it requires discipline to practice them every day. This showed me that personal development is not just about understanding ideas but about building new habits over time.
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.
I would rate PsychoCybernetics an 8 out of 10. I gave it this rating because the book offers very valuable insights about self-image, confidence, and the power of the subconscious mind. It helped me understand many of my past behaviors and gave me practical tools to improve my thinking and actions. I did not give it a full 10 mainly because some sections felt repetitive and slightly dated in their examples. However, the core message of the book is still highly relevant today, especially for anyone who struggles with self-doubt or wants to improve their mindset.
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? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 8
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8