As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Princess Obure (Kenya)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The very first argument Allen lays out is that man is the sum of his thoughts. Just like tiny seeds turn into big plants, a single thought often turns into a major decision, which makes your thoughts the roots of your actions.
Over time, these actions shape into patterns, which will eventually make up our character. This is why most people tend to give up more easily on the things they care about, because your attitude and your actions are directly linked to one another. If you don’t start out with confidence and expect very little of yourself, that’s exactly what you’ll deliver. But if your thoughts shape your actions, then by changing your thoughts, you can change your actions and subsequently, your character too!
The time to start weeding out bad thoughts is right now. Today is the day to stop accepting negative thoughts as normal and fight back. Take control of your mind, and you’ll take control of your life. The reason your thoughts and actions are so deeply connected is because they live in a constant cause-and-effect relationship with the outside world. What does that mean? You might see your life as mostly determined by external factors. The weather, the economy, politics, your co-workers, your boss, whether you have good luck or bad luck, your life depends on so many things you can’t influence. But its not as black and white as that. Playing the victim is easy. You can just push off responsibility and blame the world for everything.
In reality, your thoughts, your actions, your character, they all take at least as much influence on the world, as the world does on you. The thoughts and attitudes you have are what lead you into the situations of your life, some of which you then end up assigning to good or bad luck, when its really yourself that got you there. Therefore, you can’t describe a persons’ character just by looking at the environment she lives in, or predict the circumstances she’ll end up in, because of the way she is. There are many admirable and probably genuinely good people in jail, while some greedy bastards live happily off other peoples misery.
 crucial aspect almost no one looks at when examining thoughts is your health. When we talk about the power of positive thinking we usually speak of affirmations, goals, priorities, etc. But not about health. Yet, what you think massively impacts your heart rate, sleep, chronic pains like migraines and your skin. Yes, you can think yourself to wrinkly skin. Do you know that saying be careful what you wish for? This book extends it to be careful what you think about. On the other hand, thinking very positively and dwelling on energizing thoughts can keep you young. So take every chance you get to weed out negative thoughts. Pretend your mind is a garden, and everything that doesn’t help it grow has to go. You’ll thank yourself for years to come.
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 Core Philosophy
Allens central message is clear: our thoughts shape our reality. He asserts that the mind is a powerful tool that influences our character, circumstances, and overall destiny. This idea resonated deeply with me, prompting reflection on how often I had allowed negative thoughts and self-doubt to dictate my actions and outcomes. I began to understand that by cultivating a positive mindset, I could change my life for the better.
ii. The Relationship Between Thought and Action
One of the key insights from the book is that thought and action are intertwined. Allen emphasizes that our thoughts ultimately lead to our actions, which, in turn, shape our experiences. This prompted me to evaluate my own thought patterns and consider how they influenced my behaviors. I realized that by consciously choosing positive thoughts, I could align my actions with my goals and aspirations.
iii. The Importance of Self-Discipline
Allen highlights the significance of self-discipline and mental control in achieving success. He argues that mastering our thoughts requires effort and commitment. This resonated with me, as it reminded me of the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-discipline in various aspects of my life. Inspired by his teachings, I began to implement daily practices that fostered mental clarity and focus, such as journaling and meditation.
iv. The Role of Purpose
Another profound lesson from As a Man Thinketh is the importance of having a clear purpose in life. Allen asserts that a well-defined purpose directs our thoughts and actions, leading to a more fulfilling existence. This encouraged me to reflect on my own goals and aspirations, prompting me to articulate what I truly wanted to achieve. By establishing a purpose, I felt more motivated and empowered to take actionable steps toward my dreams.
v. The Impact of Thoughts on Character
Allen delves into the idea that our thoughts define our character. He suggests that by nurturing positive and virtuous thoughts, we cultivate a strong and admirable character. This insight inspired me to be more mindful of my inner dialogue and to focus on fostering qualities such as kindness, resilience, and gratitude. I began to notice how these shifts in thinking positively affected my interactions with others and my overall sense of self.
vi. The Mastery of Destiny
In the accompanying essay, The Mastery of Destiny, Allen further explores the concept that we have the power to shape our destinies through our thoughts and choices. He emphasizes that we are the architects of our lives, and by exercising our mental faculties, we can create the future we desire. This empowering perspective motivated me to take ownership of my life and to actively work toward my goals with intention and determination.
As a Man Thinketh has been a transformative guide in my journey toward personal growth and self-discovery. James Allens timeless wisdom encourages readers to recognize the power of their thoughts in shaping their lives and destinies. As I embrace these teachings, I am excited to continue cultivating a positive mindset, establishing a clear purpose, and taking actionable steps toward my dreams. This classic work has shown me that by mastering my thoughts, I can truly master my life.
The book delves into various themes, such as the importance of cultivating a positive mental attitude, taking responsibility for one’s thoughts and actions, and understanding the connection between thoughts and circumstances. Allen emphasizes the need for self-reflection and self-discipline, urging readers to be mindful of the quality of their thoughts and to consciously choose thoughts that align with their desired outcomes.
Noble Ideals Inspire Action
vii. High ideals motivate and elevate your life.
Aspire to noble thoughts and ideals; they will inspire you to take meaningful action and create a positive impact.
viii. Overcoming Obstacles
The book offers guidance on using your thoughts to overcome challenges and setbacks. Allen sees difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning.
ix. Attaining Happiness
True happiness, according to Allen, comes from aligning your thoughts with your values and living a purposeful life.
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?
As a Man Thinketh is a mind set book which will be more helpful to make my mind broaden and think outside the box.
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 man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of his thoughts.”
“Only by much searching and mining are gold and diamonds pertain, and man can find every truth connected with his being if he will dig deep into the mind of his soul. Every thought-seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind, and to take root there, produces its own, blossoming sooner or later into act, and bearing its own fruitage of opportunity and circumstances. Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit. The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors, that which it loves, and also that which it fears.”
“Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself. Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are. Men are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves. A man may be cursed and rich; he may be blessed and poor. Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results. Bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.”
“He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little. He who would have achieved much must sacrifice much. He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”
I hope you found those quotes thoughtful and enlightening. I urge that you read this quick read, but it’s a powerful one and I think you’ll love 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?
The book is well covered and good to 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?
A nice book with life time exercise which will be my daily routine.
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 book is very clear and well understood.
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 Princess Obure (Kenya)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
This is a story about an ordinary Seagull goes on an extraordinary journey. It is on a journey from one place to another on a map, but rather a personal journey. There is a story about what it takes to explore ones passion and to master a skill. But if that was all the book was about it might not have made Jonathan Livingston Seagull the fabled classic that has become. What sets it apart is that Jonathan Livingston Seagull is about a spiritual journey as well. The story very much follows the path of Jesus Christ, although thats not really what the stories about. It is about how someone can be ordinary and make themselves become exceptional, and that that truth lies in everyone. However, this is no easy thing, and Jonathan Livingston Seagull runs through all the ways that most people react to the extraordinary. Jonathan becomes an outcast, when he transcends ordinary gulls. Later he then returns to them and he is regarded with suspicion. Slowly Jonathan gains the small, loyal following of close students who learn from him and pass on his knowledge, which has become theirs. When Jonathan Livingston Seagull finally leaves, his exceptionalism is turned into extraordinary supernatural abilities. The gull is turned into a God, and what he had achieved becomes the acts of deity and not of any ordinary Seagull. The message is lost. But in every generation, there are new goals to discover the secret of exploring their passion and developing it through hard work, and so Jonathan Livingston Seagulls message lives on potentially in everyone willing to look and work hard enough.
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 Struggle with Conformity
Most seagulls in the Breakfast Flock only care about the simplest facts of flight: using it to travel back and forth from the fishing boats for food.
ii. The Passion for Flight
Jonathan Livingston Seagull views flight not just as a means to an end, but as an art form. He constantly practices high-speed dives and airborne acrobatics.
iii. Exile
Frustrated that his obsession distracts from the flocks traditional norms, the Elder Gull banishes Jonathan. He is cast out to live alone at the Far Cliffs, where he continues to practice and perfect his skills in solitude.
iv. A New Community
After years of a solitary life, Jonathan is approached by two radiant, glowing gulls. They take him to a higher plane of existence that represents a sort of personal “heaven” (a state of mind rather than a location
v. Limitless Potential
In this new realm, Jonathan learns that there are no physical limits. He learns to travel at the speed of thought and is taught by other gulls who share his drive for perfection
vi. The Awakening
Realizing that he has attained spiritual enlightenment and perfection, Jonathan grows restless. He decides he cannot keep this knowledge to himself and chooses to return to Earth
vii. The Teacher
Jonathan returns to Earth to seek out other outcast gulls. He gathers a small, loyal group of students including his first follower, Fletcher Lynd Seagull and teaches them to fly without boundaries.
viii. Misunderstanding and Miracles
Eventually, Jonathan leads his students to his old, traditional flock. Though they are initially met with suspicion, other gulls slowly begin to take notice. When Jonathan saves Fletcher after a near-fatal accident, the flock views him with fear, labeling him either divine or a devil
ix. Passing the Torch
After teaching his students how to break the chains of their own thoughts and bodies, Jonathan realizes it is time for him to leave to teach gulls in other worlds. He leaves Fletcher in charge of the legacy, reminding him to practice love, patience, and seeing the good in everyone, even those who cast them out
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?
These ideas will help me understand that whatever I want I can do it without asking permission from anyone so long as it is a positive thing in my life.
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.
“Now look, [Anthony] had told his official Local Student, the birds who come to hear you every Tuesday come for three reasons, don’t they? Because they think they’re learning something; because they think that putting another pebble on the Cairn is going to make them holy; or because everybody else expects them to be there. Right?
And you have nothing to learn, my nestling?”
“No. There’s something to learn, but I don’t know what it is. A million pebbles can’t make me holy if I don’t deserve it, and I don’t care what the other gulls think about me.”
“And what is your answer, nestling? Ever so slightly shaken by this heresy. “How do you call the miracle of life? The Great-Gull-Jonathan-Holy-Be-His-Name said that flight.”
“Life isn’t a miracle, Official, it’s a bore. Your Great Gull Jonathan is a myth somebody made up a long time ago, a fairy tale that the weak believe because they can’t stand to face the world as it is. Imagine! A seagull who could fly two hundred miles per hour! I tried it, and the fastest I can go is fifty, diving, and even then I’m mostly out of control. There are laws of flight that cannot be broken, and if you don’t think so, you go out there and try it! Do you honestly believe truly, now that your great Jonathan Seagull flew two hundred miles per hour?”
“Jonathan felt better for his decision to be just another one of the flock. There would be no ties now to the force that had driven him to learn, there would be no more challenge and no more failure. And it was pretty, just to stop thinking, and fly through the dark, toward the lights above the beach.”
“The wind was a monster roar at his head. Seventy miles per hour, ninety, a hundred and twenty and faster still. The wing-strain now at a hundred and forty miles per hour wasn’t nearly as hard as it had been before at seventy, and with the faintest twist of his wingtips he eased out of the dive and shot above the waves, a gray cannonball under the moon. He closed his eyes to slits against the wind and rejoiced. A hundred forty miles per hour! And under control! If I dive from five thousand feet instead of two thousand, I wonder how fast his vows of a moment before were forgotten, swept away in that great swift wind. Yet he felt guiltless, breaking the promises he had made himself. Such promises are only for the gulls that accept the ordinary. One who has touched excellence in his learning has no need of that kind of promise.”
“He was alive, trembling ever so slightly with delight, proud that his fear was under control. Then without ceremony he hugged in his forewings, extended his short, angled wingtips, and plunged directly toward the sea. By the time he passed four thousand feet he had reached terminal velocity, the wind was a solid beating wall of sound against which he could move no faster. He was flying now straight down, at two hundred fourteen miles per hour. He swallowed, knowing that if his wings unfolded at that speed he’d be blown into a million tiny shreds of seagull. But the speed was power, and the speed was joy, and the speed was pure beauty.”
“Jonathan Livingston Seagull! Stand to Center! The Elder’s words sounded in a voice of highest ceremony. Stand to Center meant only great shame or great honor. Stand to Center for Honor was the way the gulls’ foremost leaders were marked. Of course, he thought, the Breakfast Flock this morning; they saw the Breakthrough! But I want no honors. I have no wish to be leader. I want only to share what I’ve found, to show those horizons out ahead for us all. He stepped forward.”
“Jonathan Livingston Seagull, said the Elder, Stand to Center for Shame in the sight of your fellow gulls! It felt like being hit with a board. His knees went weak, his feathers sagged, there was roaring in his ears. Centered for shame? Impossible! The Breakthrough! They can’t understand! They’re wrong, they’re wrong!”
“Jonathan Seagull spent the rest of his days alone, but he flew way out beyond the Far Cliffs. His one sorrow was not solitude, it was that other gulls refused to believe the glory of flight that awaited them; they refused to open their eyes and see. He learned more each day. He learned that a streamlined high-speed dive could bring him to find the rare and tasty fish that schooled ten feet below the surface of the ocean: he no longer needed fishing boats and stale bread for survival. He learned to sleep in the air, setting a course at night across the offshore wind, covering a hundred miles from sunset to sunrise. With the same inner control, he flew through heavy sea-fogs and climbed above them into dazzling clear skies in the very times when every other gull stood on the ground, knowing nothing but mist and rain. He learned to ride the high winds far inland, to dine there on delicate insects. What he had once hoped for the Flock, he now gained for himself alone; he learned to fly, and was not sorry for the price that he had paid. Jonathan Seagull discovered that boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that a gull’s life is so short, and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed.”
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 is well presented and good to 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?
The book contains life time exercise and continuous one.
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.
This book is a classic for good reason. There are no wasted words, and the simple story of a Seagull might just be one of the most uplifting things you will ever read, that is unless you are just another Seagull squawking scraps of fish and bread like everybody else
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? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E What is the overall rating you would give it? 10