As A Man Thinketh
Assessment by Christopher Ameh (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey in this book is that, whatever a man is at any point in time is a function of what he dwells his mind upon, whether good or bad. Also, a change of thought brings a corresponding change of life.
2. What are the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List this seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal example from your own life.
The seven ideas which were personally most important to me and the reasons are:
That my character is a complete sum of all my thoughts.
This is important to me because most of the circumstances around me like indecision, procrastination, rage, among others could be the result of the kind of thoughts I have allowed over the years. In other words, most of the things I blame on others have actually been my own making. But the good news is I have the capacity to alter my thoughts and so change my circumstance as well.
B. That circumstance and the inner thought of a man are related.
In an examination for instance, as long as I build confidence in myself, I was always going to pass such an examination with good grades. On the other hand, I failed to get the best from people occasionally for as long as I have the wrong mindset about them. For instance, when I feel somebody has a bad plan against me, or hates me, it always turns out to be like that. But, if I approach the same person with a clear mind, I found out that I was wrong after all. So it is actually the issue of my mind and kind of thought I feed into it.
C. That the body is the servant of the mind.
This is important to me because certain things that have threatened my health and physique generally could be attributed to the state of my mind. I happen to have 3 elder brothers but physically I look older than them; been bald headed with wrinkles and grey hair here and there. Where as, these features are absent in my brothers. I realize now the reason is not far-fetched – sour thoughts.
D. That Accomplishment is attained when thought is linked with purpose.
In retrospect, I think the reason there is not much to show for all the years I have spent on planet earth is because I had not really chosen something I want to accomplish and then followed it to a logical conclusion. I easily gave in to distractions doubt and fears and no focus so to say. For instance, back on campus, I started with almost second class, upper division, but due to loss of focus and concentration, I dropped drastically to lower division. It is obvious I would have done better were I to stay focused.
E. That a lifted thought begets success.
Lifting of my thoughts could be one of the sacrifices I failed to make over the years. I know there are latent resources to develop quite okay but I virtually had refused to let go the old way of doing things and so continued to get the same result time and again. Opportunities have thrown themselves at me severally but I had bluntly refused to change. But thank God I have another privilege here in this study program and I won’t let it slip away.
F. That life is built by vision and ideal.
It is clear that whatever the mind can conceive could be achieved in reality, whether it be good or bad. The feat attained in computer science, technology, among others in the world today all began just like a dream. Personally, having bagged a degree in computer science, I am currently nursing a dream of becoming certified and to establish a computer firm that will offer consultancy services. I know this won’t come on a platter of gold but I am poised anyway. I also have a dream of being an international minister of the word of God.
G. That calmness of the mind is the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
Perhaps one other terrible thing that bedeviled my life over time has been rage. Just when I feel I am beginning to do well, an occasion will just crop up that would just make me fly into a rage, and then all the relationships, and efforts, and struggles over time would just be shattered. But thank God for yet another lesson on serenity.
3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in you to create a world? If so, how?
I must admit that discovering IIGL is purely God’s intervention to restructure my life and I will continue to introduce more of my friends into the program. Let me state how these ideas will help me in a practical way and to help create a better world:
Having learned that my character is a complete sum of all my thoughts; I take responsibility for my decisions without apportioning blame to anybody. I try to keep my temperament under control as soon as I discover I am under stress.
Given the circumstances around me and that my inner thoughts are related, it makes me to position my mind to believe that the society or my colleagues for instance, do not hate me as I assumed. Rather, I tried to open up and have a clear mind towards everyone I see. In so doing, I am gradually becoming accessible and I am also beginning to look at the society from a different perspective – that I get from it, whatever I put in there.
Having learned that the body is the servant of the mind, I have made up my mind not to allow worries of any kind to settle again. This has not been easy though, because thoughts, all manner of them keep coming, but I make effort to replace them immediately with a fairer thought. I try to keep bitterness away and be forgiving too. In all it feels good, though quite an effort is required at this stage.
Yes there cannot be any reasonable accomplishment when thought is not linked with purpose. Experiences around me have testified to that. I am now enabled to be diligent with whatever I am doing presently without giving in to distractions and discouragement.
In a practical way, the idea of lifting my thoughts in order to attain success has help me by enabling me to have a direct instead of operating in confusion; have a resolution instead of just allowing everything go. Instead of been corrupt in my thought, I should rather imbibe in wholesome thoughts, wishing others well just like I also wish myself.
Finally, the idea of calmness of the mind in a practical way has equally helped me. Having realized rage keeps people away from me, thereby destroying all the relationship I have built over time, I am compelled to imbibe self control, by trying to keep my temper under check. Though I still falter here and there, I am still poised. I am enabled to coordinate myself more respectfully.
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.
“He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.”
I am challenged by this statement to give up doubt and fear of all kind and face life headlong and overcome. Every assignment I have now I face it squarely without fear knowing I will succeed no matter the hitches on the way.
“He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty idea in his heart, will one day realize it.”
Nothing really happen by chance, rather, I have got to conceive it, keep working at it until it materializes. My status at the moment does not really count whether I am poor or rich. The currency I got, the seed I need, is my vision, my ideal. Armed with this, I am permitted to end up a mediocre, no. it is up to me to keep a clear mind and not to allow confusion around me. My mind is an asset to me that should be guarded jealously.
“In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results.”
This reminds me that for efforts to be achieved, it does not end with just nursing a dream, but a level of effort is required. For instance, I need to study more in line with my vision; I also need to put to daily practice the lessons I have learnt from these books.
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.
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 exercises are not spelt out explicitly. The need to improve myself so as to improve my circumstance. I try to keep a smiling face so I could win back my friends. That a man has to right himself to find that the universe is right. I am generally changing my attitude and the way I approach life. The lesson is paying, the stress is fading away. That the choice of thoughts can shape my circumstances. I scrutinize the many thoughts that throw themselves at me so I don not harbor sour thoughts. It makes me light and clear headed.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions?
No.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 is good and 1 is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10
Jonathan Living Seagull
Assessment by Christopher Ameh (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey in the book is, anybody can rise to the peak of a chosen career, provided he/she dears to separate himself/herself from the status quo and diligently endure consistent training and practice. In other words, a man can only be limited by his own thought more than any other factor.
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.
A. The first idea is that, I should not be satisfied with mere trivial issues of life alone; rather, I should desire to achieve my goal.
This idea is important to me because, for any meaningful progress to be attained, first, there has to be a clear definition of what I want followed by a determination to follow it up, despite the challenges I may encounter along the way. As a personal example, I would not have been a graduate today were I not have taken the decision to go back and remedy my ordinary level Certificate. I made the sacrifice of time and resources available at my disposal then in other to enroll for external Examination to make up for my deficiency in English Language and Mathematics. At the end I had a good result, and that gave me a proper footing to apply for first degree, which I already have. Soon, I hope to enroll for Masters Degree. That decision I took prompted my colleagues who also enrolled. A number of them are also graduates today, while some are in the making.
B. The second idea that is personally important to me is that, I do not need to have everything I need before embarking on the pursuance of my career.
Personally, there were occasions in the course of my career that I was unable to pay my tuition fee. Earlier, I was warned that I may not make it through school given the nature of the family where I came- no sponsors- and I was almost going to forfeit the admission. But some how I persisted and today, it is history. I have not got a job yet but I am poised to enroll for Masters Degree as soon as forms are on sale.
C. Another idea that is important to me is that, I can lift myself out of ignorance and find myself as a creature of excellence and intelligence and skill.
This is particularly important to me because I come to realize there is more to life than mere scrounging just to feed from hand to mouth, or wear clothes and merely get along. Frankly, the discovery of this study program has actually lifted me out of ignorance; it makes me to engage my mind positive thinking. Now and again, I feel like reading at every given occasion, anywhere instead of mere loitering around. Any little time is engaged. Looks like I have enrolled in a program far greater than what I did in my first degree. My mind is continually been purged of frivolities and I feel a great air of freedom around me.
D. Furthermore, I learnt that I choose my next world through what I learn in this one.
I learned about this study program about 4 years ago when I was in my sophomore year. Had I enrolled back then, I could have gone far in the study program by now. Meanwhile, since I enrolled, God knows how much I have learnt so far. Reading this book, Jonathan Living Seagull, has enlightened my mind and positioned me for the days ahead in this career. Also, I can think of enrolling for Masters Degree today because I have been able to cross the hurdles of first degree.
E. Another idea that is personally important to me in this book is that, my true nature lived as a perfect as an unwritten number, everywhere at once across space and time.
The fact is, I have read books, even prayed severally, but this book – Jonathan Living Seagull – I lack words to express it. I feel really unlimited for the first time. When I came across this idea, it dawned on me that one day offer consultancy services to presidency on National issues. I picture myself as resource person who will one day proffer solutions to the socio-economic challenges besetting my country. My mind is so clear now and I am so sure any career I choose, I certainly can attain it.
F. Continuous learning, practicing and striving to understand more of the perfect invincible principle of life yet another idea that is personally important to me.
There is an old saying that “practice makes perfect”. It is clear to me that no matter the potential I have, and no matter the size of my dream, the place of continuous learning and concerted practice cannot be underestimated, otherwise, there cannot be productivity. I discovered that having learnt the truth about my freedom and unlimited nature, it is just about time to work more, learn more, practice and above all, strive to see my dreams a reality.
G. The lesson of love, kindness, and forgiveness, is one more idea that is personally important to me.
At a point, I wonder if the author, Richard Bach, was a preacher or something. I have heard thus admonition severally but it has never been this clear. That fact is love and forgiveness lightens the day. Practicing these lessons makes my mind free, and this has helped my life and relationships. Issues I attach so much importance to are but trivial now. I think I get along with my counterparts a lot more easily now.
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?
In my daily life now, I make it a point of duty to be conscious of what I want to duty – develop myself for more productivity in my career – and so arrangement is underway to get my reading materials in place to enable me to study more effectively. Such materials include reading table, reading lamp, among others.
With the least available resources at my disposal, I forge ahead with the pursuit of my dream. I do not have to wait until I have everything I need. I am daily conscious I can be productive by developing my potential. I just want to study more at every given opportunity now.
Perhaps my bane has been that I sleep a lot. I know it. But since the inception of this program, I seem not to have enough time anymore. I eagerly engage my spare time in studying.
Having realized that I have been limited by my thoughts and feelings overtime, I do not let them any more. For instance, when I pray to God now, I know he hears me and like He used Daniel to address issues of National interest in Babylon, I could also be used to address issues that matter in my country in the near future.
I try to be punctual at my place of business, church activities now. I consciously make it a point of duty to put away distraction and mean whatever I am doing presently and give it my best. I have also positioned my heart to forgive unconditionally. It feels good to go light, makes me comprehend easily. I attract others now more easily by so doing.
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.
“It’s all so pointless, he thought, deliberately dropping a hard- worn anchovy to a hungry old gull chasing him. I could be spending all this time learning to fly. There’s so much to learn!”
This statement is important to me because, were I not to have enrolled for this study program, I would not have known there was a book like Jonathan Seagull and other books I hope read soon. At the moment I discover there is much to learn from reading now that I spend my time carelessly any more.
“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.”
Actually it is a thing of sorrow that I have not been studying all these years though there are opportunities that I could have taken advantage of like this study program. Meanwhile, my eyes are opened now to the glory that lies in reading. If I knew 10 years ago what I am beginning to know in course of this study, I would not have remained at this level I am presently.
“Jonathan Seagull discovered that boredom and fear and anger are the reason that a gull’s life is short, and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed.”
Perhaps, one of the problems I have battled with over time has been fear and anger. As a result of fear I have failed to take certain decisions that would have changed my status – academic, marital, among others. Anger in particular has scared so many people from me. But since this program, boredom, fear and anger are gradually been eroded away and life is getting more interesting.
“The gull sees farthest who flies highest.”
This to me implies that to level to which my mind is exposed to life’s realities, is the same level to which I can appreciate my environment and as such be enabled to give a hand to a fellow man who intends to be enlightened.
“Your whole body, from wingtip to wingtip,” Jonathan would say; other times, is nothing more than your thought itself, in a form you can see. Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body too.”
This book is sure written to give me a lifting from the dungeon I placed myself as a result of all manner of unguarded thoughts I had allowed to take root in my mind. Fear envy, malice were common place. I had to break away to no avail. I know within me that I got potentials and even big dreams, but I have been unable to bring forth my best due to restraining forces of unguarded thoughts. But currently I feel a higher force giving me a lift out of all those holds. Yes, a wholesome thought begets a wholesome body and attendant productivity.
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?
The exercises in this book are rather implicit.
Among others, I learned that:
By guarding my thoughts I am able to keep my head clear and hence concentrate on my studies.
The lesson of love, forgiveness and kindness makes life easier because I am enabled to go light and to tolerate and appreciate others than I used to.
More time spent reading makes me more enlightened that I feel I do not have enough time to spare on frivolities.
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.
None.
Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 is good and 1 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