As A Man Thinketh
Assessment by Bokolo, Baranaye Diana(Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
I believe that the author is trying to convey the idea that the construct of the mind is what is acted out by individuals and the character of the individual is the thought put in action.
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 man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts: This struck me as being real true. I now realise that my thoughts are actually what I have been putting into action while ‘fighting against circumstance’. Am overwhelmed by this revelation.
Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits, thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry: This is also an eye opener. It is important to me due to the fact that it has made me realise I have to work on my thought process.
A noble and Godlike character is not a thing of favour or chance, but it is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with Godlike thoughts. An ignoble and bestial character, by the same process, is the result of the continued harbouring of grovelling thoughts: This idea is important to me as it has made me know that no amount of prayer can help to change my thought process. I have to make an effort in changing my thought process if I want to have and retain a Godlike character.
For only by patience, practise, and ceaseless importunity can a man enter the door of the temple of knowledge: This idea is important to me as it teaches that patience is one of the keys to the door of the temple of knowledge and this I must work on. And at times, I have given up going after knowledge due to impatience but now, having learnt that I can only attain knowledge with patience, practise and ceaseless importunity.
Man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth: This idea is so important to me because it makes one realise that even when an individual allows the mind to run wild, it will still bring forth fruit so, we must be in control of our thought and cultivate our mind.
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 circumstance. Good thoughts bear good fruits, bad thoughts bad fruit: This is an idea I find very important though it evokes questions. How can we sow a thought seed we are battling not to have? How can we discard a thought-seed that has taken root? If I can get answers (practical answers), I would really appreciate this.
The soul attracts that which it secretly harbours; that which it loves, and also that which it fears; it reaches the height of its cherished aspirations, it falls to the level of its unchastened desires: This is important to me because I had no idea of it prior to this time.
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/lessons will help me in a practical way by enlightening me to cultivate my thoughts at all times and in doing so, others who see a changed, and more Godlike me would want to learn how I got to be that way thus, I would be able to pass on the knowledge acquired thereby creating a better world.
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.
Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armoury of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself; he also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace: This quote is important to me as it has enlightened me with knowledge which I never had before.
The body is the servant of the mind: This quote is important to me as it sheds light as to why the body falls ill.
Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot, it rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstances: This is also important to me as it lets me know that one can keep his or her mouth shut but still the thoughts of man cannot be kept secret as he acts them out even if he does not wish to do so.
Circumstance does not make a man. It reveals him to himself: This is important to me as I use to think it the other way around.
Man is the causer of his circumstances, and that, whilst aiming at a good end, he is continually frustrating its accomplishment by encouraging thoughts and desires which cannot possibly harmonize that end: This quotation struck me. It is a dilemma in which many find themselves but have no knowledge of how to get out of.
The weakest soul, knowing its own weakness, and believing this truth that strength can only be developed by effort and practice will, thus believing, at once begin to exert itself, and, adding effort to effort, patience to patience, and strength to strength, will never cease to develop, and will at last grow divinely strong: This is important to me because it gives me hope of becoming a better me.
All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thought: Reflecting on these words, I see that they are so true even in my life. I am at the position I am because I thought it out. I can only go further if I strengthen my thoughts and make them clean thoughts, have a purpose and focus on it.
A man’s weakness and strength, purity and impurity, are his own, and not another man’s; they are brought about by himself, and not by another; and they can only be altered by himself, never by another. His condition is also his own, and not another man’s. His suffering and his happiness are evolved from within. As he thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains: This quotation ought to be put up on billboards. This quote has reinforced the idea in me that what so ever happens in my life are brought on me by me not b another. It was hard to accept at first but as this truth dawns on me, I can see it as nothing but the truth.
As you cannot have a sweet and wholesome abode unless you admit the air and sunshine freely into your rooms, so a strong body and a bright, happy, or serene countenance can only result from the free admittance into the mind of thoughts of joy and goodwill and serenity: This quote is important to me as it is a practical example and puts it to the reader that there is no short cut to having a strong body and a bright, happy, or serene countenance.
On the faces of the aged there are wrinkles made by sympathy, others by strong and pure thought, and others are carved by passion: who cannot distinguish them? With those who have lived righteously, age is calm, peaceful, and softly mellowed, like the setting sun: This quote impresses on me that if I want to live a full life with a graceful face even at old age, I must endeavour to live righteously. It is a practical thing and not just theory.
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. There is nothing in the book that I am unclear about neither are there ideas which I disagree with. I rather find the book to be clear and concise. I am glad I came across this institute at this point and time in my life.
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 contained no exercises for the reader to complete.
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.
No, there is nothing in the book which I would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions.
I rate this book as follows:
• How interesting was it to read? 10
• How helpful were the contents? 10
• How easy was it to understand? 8
• What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment byBokolo, Baranaye Diana (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
I believe that the author is trying to convey that everyone can strive for perfection and by showing kindness, love and forgiving others; we can and will attain enviable heights in our chosen endeavour.
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.
The seven ideas which were personally most important to me are:
The second paragraph has the idea that while other seagulls were more interested in food, Jonathan Livingston Seagull took it on himself to go practising alone: This idea was important to me due to the fact that at times in life, due to peer pressure, we may tend to want to follow the norm and when we do, we do not realize our full potentials but when we remain focused and determined, we realize our full potentials and tend to help others alone the way.
The third and fourth paragraph portray the idea that even though seagulls are known not to falter and stall, Jonathan Livingston Seagull was unashamed to do so as he practised: This idea was important to me this is because it showed to me that I should never be afraid to make mistakes as I strive to be the best I can be.
The tenth paragraph shares the idea that Jonathan Livingston Seagull though he tried to behave like other seagulls, failed at this: To me, this idea depicts that we can only be who we are and not any other person no matter how hard we try. A personal example from my life experience was once in my life when I tried as hard as I could to be a party going, fun loving person. I could not keep up because this was just not me. I am a more focused, determined and conservative person hence I failed woefully trying to be who I was not.
Paragraph twenty fourth gives the idea that as Jonathan Seagull excelled in flight; he gave up the idea of being an ordinary seagull: A personal example of this was when I said to myself that I had given up furthering my education. But as I practised hard at my chosen career, I found out that the bottom was just too crowded and to climb the ladder of success, I must better myself and acquire more knowledge.
The thirty sixth paragraph conveys the idea that Jonathan Seagull was excited to share with his fellow gulls all he had learnt: When we have excelled in chosen career, we may feel like sharing with others so they too can excel: A typical example of this in my life is when I meet people who aspire to be in the same field of endeavour as me. I do my best to share with them my experiences and how I got to where I am and also answer any questions they may have.
Paragraph forty nine conveys the idea that though cast from the flock, Jonathan Seagull had no regrets as to the price he had to pay to excel and as he accepted his fate and did what he had joy doing, he lived a long fine life: This is very important to me as it has taught me that in all I do, I should endeavour to do that which gives me joy and be my best at it no matter the price I pay to be the best at it.
On page 16, paragraph five conveys the idea that there is a price for being misunderstood; while some call you good names, others see only evil in all you do: This idea is important to me due to the fact that it has taught me not to ever be surprised at the way people misunderstand my success in life and what they attribute as the basis of my success. A personal experience of this was when I was an undergraduate student and friends and foes alike had different things to which they attributed my academic excellence. Some said good things and others had nothing but evil report to give.
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 help me practically because even as each one of us has the real Jonathan Seagull who lives within us all, the experiences and lessons of the life experiences of Jonathan Seagull awakens the real Jonathan Seagull in us. The ideas will help me a lot in my daily life as I strive for perfection. It will teach me to be at peace with all and even though they may call me an out-cast due to my different way of lifestyle as I strive for excellence, I must still endeavour to show love and kindness. This is not so easy a thing to do but in a bid to create a better world, we must learn to forgive, show kindness and love even to those who mocked our efforts while we strived for excellence.
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 following statements which the author made particularly caught my attention:
“But Jonathan Livingston Seagull, unashamed, stretching his wings again in that trembling hard curve – slowly, slowly, and stalling once more – was no ordinary bird.” This statement is important to me because it has shown me that despite his failings during practise, he never gave up showing that he had strength of character.
“His thought was triumph. Terminal velocity! A seagull at two hundred fourteen miles per hour! It was a breakthrough, the greatest single moment in the history of the Flock, and in that moment a new age opened for Jonathan Gull. Flying out to his lonely practise area, folding his wings for a dive from eight thousand feet, he set himself at once to discover how to turn.” – This statement is important to me because it shows that even though Jonathan Gull had excelled in one area, he did not relax nor relent. He rather started working on other weak areas so as to become excellent in all spheres of his chosen endeavour.
“Heaven is being perfect.” – Many of us believe we can only be perfect in a place far away from earth called heaven but with this, it can be seen that heaven is here on earth and by being perfect, we are actually in heaven.
“Perfection doesn’t have limits.” – This is important to me due to the fact that it has taught me that one cannot be at a particular limit and say that he or she has attained perfection because perfection is infact limitless.
“To fly as fast as thought, to anywhere that is, you must begin by knowing that you have already arrived” – This comment is important to me as it has greatly enlightened me.
“Keep working on love” – This comment is important t me because it has taught me that no matter my level of success, I must endeavour to work on love to enable me attain success in all spheres of life.
“Everything that limits us we have to put aside”, “ He spoke of very simple things- that is right for a gull to fly, that freedom is the very nature of his being, that whatever stands against that freedom must be set aside, be it ritual or superstition or limitation in any form.” – This comment is a great eye opener. Sometimes we may tend to work with those things limiting us when we should in reality put them aside so as to attain real success.
“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” – This comment is important to me because it has caused me to understand that all my eyes see has limitations and that when I begin to look at things with my eyes of understanding, I will climb to heights I never could have attained when I depended in my physical eyes to take for what I already know.
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?
Everything was clear and there are no ideas I disagree with.
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 contained no exercises to be completed.
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.
No.
I rate this book as follows:
A. How interesting was it to read? 7
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. What is the overall rating you would give it? 8
PsychoCybernetcs
Assessment by Diana Bokolo (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
I believe the book is trying to convey to its readers how if we use our mind, we can be more successful at whatever we do.
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. Changing a man’s face is going to change the inner man as well, as acquiring specialized knowledge in that field, also. This is important to me due to the fact that it makes me realise that in whatever endeavour I choose in life, I must acquire specialized knowledge in that chosen field.
B. If you think in your heart that you are a failure type of person, then, failure becomes your lot. – This idea is important to me as I have found it to be true and an unconscious effort too that when you see yourself as a successful person, you will also invariably find circumstances to verify that opinion.
C. Having a clear mental picture of what you want to do helps you succeed in achieving your objective – This idea made me realize just delving into issues which I used to do in the past without a clear mental picture was the result of the failures I experienced at those tasks. While the tasks I had clear mental picture of before delving into were always successful.
D. We have within us the power to of making things become possible for us-The importance of this idea to me is that it makes me realize that negative ideas do not make you successful and I do have the power to do things I never dreamed possible by changing my negative beliefs.
E. I am not in completion with any other person as there is no other person with my unique skills and abilities- This quote is important to me as it reiterates to me the importance of ‘me in being me and not trying to be someone else.’
F. Flogging one’s self about past mistakes and failures does not. In any way help to turn things positive. – This quote interests me a lot and I find it important. I have seen that a child/adult constantly criticised for past mistake & errors tends to repeat the same.
G. Your automatic mechanism can as easily function as a “Failure Mechanism” as a “Success Mechanism,” depending upon the data you give it to process, and the goals you set for it.- I have in the past 2 years set success driven goals and realised them. This idea buttresses the fact that in the years before when I thought to myself that I could do no better, I always never did any better.
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 clear my mind of all negative and failure driven goals so as to become a more successful person.
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.
“Also remember that your automatic mechanism does not reason about, nor question, the data you feed it. It merely processes it and reacts appropriately to it.” This is important to me because it has made me realise that I have to be very careful and intentional about the data I feed my automatic mechanism as it does not reason but simply goes ahead to process the data and react appropriately to it.
“I made a decision right then that in the future I would do all my worrying, all my forebrain thinking, before a decision was made, and that after making a decision, and setting the wheels in motion, I would ‘dismiss absolutely all care or responsibility about the outcome.” This idea is important to me because I believe that if practiced, it will reduce anxiety and the stress of worrying after making a decision.
“Your creative mechanism cannot function or work tomorrow. It can only function in the present-today.” Make long range plans for tomorrow. But don’t try to live in tomorrow, or in the past. Creative living means responding and reacting to environment spontaneously – This quote is important to me because it shows that there is no gain gotten from trying to live in tomorrow or in the past because we cannot and it is all useless worry.
“Another cause of confusion, and the resulting feelings of nervousness, hurry, and anxiety, is the absurd habit of trying to do many things at one time.” This I was guilty of and it sure did make me nervous and anxious most of the time because I could not finish them all and ended up with not completing any at times.
“Happiness is a mental habit, a mental attitude, and if it is not learned’ and practiced in the present it is never experienced. It cannot be made contingent upon solving some external problem. When one problem is solved another appears to take its place.” This comment is important to me because it states factually, that one must encounter problems in life and basing our happiness on when a problem is solved, we may never be happy because, we are apt to encounter problems in life even after solving the current one we are faced with.
“If you are to be happy at all, you must be happy-period! not happy “because of.” This statement is important to me because it makes me realise that most at times, when we are happy because of… when or if that thing or person is no more, we become very unhappy persons.
“You are letting outward events and other people dictate to you how you shall feel and how you shall react. You are acting as an obedient slave and obeying promptly when some event or circumstance signals to you-‘Be angry’-‘Get upset’-or ‘Now is the time to feel unhappy.” This statement is important to me because it makes me realise not event or situation should make me be in a particular state. I should decide to just be happy and consciously make efforts at that. The statement is indeed an eye opener.
Learning the happiness habit, you become a master instead of a slave, or as Robert Louis Stevenson said, “The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.” This statement is important to me due to the fact that it is true that when you are happy, you do feel free and I love that feeling.
“Even in regard to tragic conditions, and the most adverse environment, we can usually manage to be happier, if not completely happy, by not adding to the misfortune our own feelings of self-pity, resentment, and our own adverse opinions.” This statement is important to me as it is a reminder of what I must not do so as to remain happy. After reading the quote before this, I began to think, how do I attain the habit of being happy? And then I saw this quote and now, I know how!
“You can be happier,” I said, “by not adding your own opinion to the facts. It is a fact that you lost $200,000. It is your opinion that you are ruined and disgraced.” This statement is such an eye opener that is why it is important to me. I ought to stick to the facts and not form negative opinions around them.
“Men are disturbed not by things that happen but by their opinion of the things that happen.” This statement is important to me as it reveal’s the source of many a disturbance I have faced.
“If you wait for happiness to catch up with you, or ‘just happen’, or be brought to you by others, you are likely to have to wait a long time.” This quote is again a reminder to me that only an individual can determine his or her happiness. External forces have little or no role to play.
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?
Yes
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.
No
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? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Keys to Success
Assessment by Baranaye Diana Bokolo (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
I believe the main idea the author is trying to convey is that being a great success, is the result of one’s understanding and using of positive mental attitude as your mental attitude gives power to everything you do. A positive mental attitude means that your actions and thoughts further your ends while a negative mental attitude means that you are constantly undermining your own efforts.
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. Success can be achieved if one can see an opportunity as quickly as one would see the fault of others.
This idea is personally important to me as it hunches on the importance of seeing an opportunity and grabbing it. Personally, I have learnt to be more open and search out for opportunities in every situation.
ii. To be successful, you must make decisions quickly and firmly as soon as the facts are made available.
This idea is important to me as it shows me that no one with an unsteady mind as to decision making (even when the facts are made available to the person), can be a successful person. Successful people who are not afraid to let their no be no and their yes be yes. In my career, I have found that those who are able to make decisions quickly and firmly with the facts available to them are quickly sort out by the organization to carry out more responsibilities as their actions usually brings positive result in the growth of the organization.
iii. Convincing other people to cooperate with you and living in accordance with strict standards.
This idea is important to me as overtime, I have found out that the people around you especially those working with you can help make or ruin your career. Our lives are an example to those around us and living in strict standards enhances your credibility with those around you.
iv. Assuming great responsibility and delivering unfailingly goods and services which are truly valuable is key to assuming wealth.
This idea is important to me as it shows that no matter your level of education, only those who assume great responsibility and deliver goods and services as at when stipulated and professionally accurate are able to break through and become a success. This I have experienced in the early years of my career where those with advanced degrees were paid less compared to some others who had only a diploma but had a wealth of experience in their field of profession as the responsibility they assumed was not great though valuable. This has taught me to aim for career positions where I assume great responsibilities and also ensure that I deliver unfailingly goods and services which are truly valuable.
v. No one can be successful without first knowing what it is he or she wants.
This idea is important to me as it reveals that a person will only grope in the dark when he or she has no definite purpose. Through life’s experiences, I have learnt that without first knowing what you want, you will be thoroughly cheated and can never be successful.
vi. Having a flexible disposition means you must be like a chameleon, quickly harmonizing with your environment.
This quote is important to me as it brings to mind that without being flexible, you can achieve very little or nothing. Flexibility while remaining true to my values has brought me tremendous promotions thus I strongly agree with this idea.
vii. Accept that only you are responsible for what happens to you.
This quote is extremely important to me as coming across it has brought me a great deal of peace of mind. Several things have happened to me in the course of life and career to which I held certain persons responsible but on coming across this quote, I have now regained my peace as I now realize that only I am responsible for what happens to me.
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 sharpen my life and re-direct my focus while ensuring that I follow my definiteness of purpose developed. They will also enable me create a better world by following the principles as stated as these principles will make me a better person thus, inspiring those around me.
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.
“Drifting through life without aim or purpose is the first cause of failure.”
This statement is important to me because it brings to life the importance of having aims and purpose and the consequence of not having an aim in life.
“If you know what you want from life, if you are determined to get it to the point where it becomes an obsession, and you back that obsession with continuous effort and sound planning, then you have awakened and developed definiteness of purpose.
This comment is important to me as it enlightened my mind to the fact that determination works hand-in-hand with continuous effort and sound planning to awaken one’s definiteness of purpose.
“A Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) opens doors and allows you to display your skills and ambition.”
This statement is important to me as it reminds me that no matter the situation, a negative mental attitude will only make things go from bad to worse but a positive mental attitude will open doors while allowing one to display his/her skills and ambition.
“Opportunity is everywhere, but it is fleet of foot. Even if you have the vision to recognize it, without a fast decision on your part, it will be gone.”
Though opportunity is everywhere, an opportunity lost may be ever be regained in the lifetime of the individual thus the importance of recognizing opportunities as they present themselves and also making smart decisions that will enable you grab the opportunity.
“Dillydallying does not inspire popularity.”
This quote is important to me as it relates to my personal life working with people everyday. When a colleague dillydallies in executing an already approved project, it frustrates those directly affected by the delay and makes the person in question become unpopular in the work place.
“Subject your appetite to self-discipline.”
This quote is very important to me I am currently practicing this to become more healthy and I have found out that without discipline, I cannot achieve this.
“Decide on what you want and create a plan for getting it.”
I have been aiming for a long time to do certain things but I have always failed. On reading this particular quote, I realized that I have failed so far because I created no plan to achieve what I wanted. To this end, I have now created a plan and the strategy to get what I have decided I want and will be able to achieve it in the next three months.
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 ideas in the book are clear and there is no ideas I disagree with or have questions about.
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?
Yes and I am working on them and found them helpful.
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.
No further comments; everything was covered previously
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? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10