As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Charlotte Chitambo (United Kingdom)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
That every individual is responsible for their destiny and outcomes in life. This is because every capable person with a mind and brain that works has the ability to craft how others see them and therefore possess the power to how they view them. It is through one’s perception of the world that they can
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 inner state influences how a person lives
It is true that the inner state influences how a person lives therefore the concept of self-care and mindfulness is an important aspect in life. Knowing one’s preference is also important. Thinking positive ultimately helps. Another interesting aspect is the idea of the mind as a garden; if we don’t actively cultivate positive thoughts, negative ones will take root. This metaphor serves as a reminder to nurture our mental landscape consciously. Generally, the book encourages introspection and self-improvement, making it a timeless read for anyone looking to understand the influence of their mind-set on their life.
ii. Taking ownership of my thoughts empowers me to change my circumstances.
When I faced setbacks, like not getting a job I wanted, I realized that wallowing in negativity wouldn’t help. Instead, I am learning to take responsibility of my feelings. The body does what the mind thinks. The above statement complements the previous idea as what is in the mind tends to present itself in a person’s body.
iii. Thought manifest into habit
It is based on the idea that your thoughts and energy can shape your reality, and that “like attracts like,” in the terms that I am familiar with, thoughts are practically one’s prayers over her or his life. Note to self is to have positively charged thoughts. Thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, and character becomes destiny.
iv. Aimlessness is a vice
In life having a purpose or a goal is essential. One needs to know their niche and what it is they have to contribute to the world and life in general the lack of purpose and of any direction is not an ideal way to live. It is not a healthy way to live. Living life without any vision causes people to lose the strength that is responsible for keeping them alive. Having vision is responsible for leading someone on track to accomplish our goals. The fact that someone has a vision influences every part of their life, that of the people in their life and influences every decision we make. It provides us a reason to wake up in the morning, and it fills us with a passion to seize the day. Vision gives us the ability to think about the future with both imagination and wisdom, which lets us live your life in freedom through restraint. Sometimes limitations bring the most freedom. Having a lack of purpose or being directionless isn’t a healthy way to live. Without vision, people lose the vitality that makes them feel alive. Vision is the glue that keeps us on track to accomplish our goals. It affects every part of our life, and influences every decision we make. It gives us a reason to wake up in the morning, and it fills us with a passion to seize the day. Vision therefore allows us to think about the future with both imagination and wisdom, which lets us live a life filled with freedom and choice.
v. No one else can change person’s circumstance other than themselves
Sometimes some situations are uncomfortable for me, work conditions that I find unfavorable but because or responsibilities and lack of faith in that I can be elsewhere I want to be, where I would be waking up each day looking forward to do what I love and want to do .Reading Jonathan Seagull’s journey assisted me to gain an insight of the great many possibilities that are there for me to move from this current situation, trusting in God to guide me and to believe in the go. It is true that no one can change another person’s circumstances except for them themselves. People can change their behaviors and habits through self-awareness, support, and intentionality.
vi. Gifts are fruits of effort and not luck
The book notes that practice makes perfect and for someone to be good at something they have to work hard for it. It therefore imperative for a person to put some effort in order to excel they need to put in effort and not rely on luck/ Luck is when opportunity presents itself to someone, however without effort in preparation, and hard work there is no guarantee of success. Therefore to gain the result of dedication and discipline a lot of work has to be Success is not a random event but a deliberate process that requires planning, execution, and evaluation.
vii. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom
I have learnt the power of introspection and self-assessment in a calm manner. One has to do this is to think before acting. The power of self-reflection leads to calmness which is essential for personal development and personal growth. Keeping a diary and journaling has been a powerful tool for me. Through the tool of writing down my thoughts and reflecting on my experiences, I’ve managed to get insights that have guided my decisions and helped me understand my values more clearly. When you’re calm, you can think more clearly and logically, which can help you make better decisions. Calmness can help you discuss problems with others and avoid arguments. It can also help you lead and nurture others. The Bible also teaches us about self-control.
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?
The moral of the book is that our thoughts shape our character and conditions. This understanding can help me in my daily life by encouraging me to cultivate positive, constructive thoughts, leading to a more fulfilling personal life. In a broader sense, if more people embraced this idea, it could promote a more compassionate and positive society, as individuals would take responsibility for their thoughts and actions.
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 are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”
This resonated with me because it emphasizes personal accountability and the power of mind-set. It serves as a reminder that we have the agency to change our lives through our thinking. Some people are where they are now, not because of anything they had control over. A lot of people are plagued by carnages, victims of wars, floods, famine, political and economic sanctions imposed on governments in unfair ways
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?
On one hand I genuinely appreciate the author’s emphasis on the power of thought, I however find some concepts overly simplistic. For example with regards to external circumstances. It is common knowledge that not everyone has the same opportunities to change their lives purely through mind-set due to some factors such as socioeconomic issues. The perspective of positive thinking may overlook the complexities of real-life, everyday challenges.
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 has some self-reflective exercises, encouraging readers to assess their thoughts and attitudes. I found these helpful for self-awareness, and I completed most of them. They prompted me to identify negative thought patterns and actively work on cultivating a more positive mind-set.
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.
That the whole concept and theme of the book, even the title itself is derived from biblical concepts or as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” is a verse from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, Proverbs 23:7:
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? 7
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 7
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Charlotte Chitambo (United Kingdom)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea being conveyed in the book is that life is more the average or below average elements in life. There things that are there nature by default and the environment one lives in can offer limitations to one’s abilities. The book paints a picture about how to find purpose, the act of striving to achieve self-improvement, and breaking free from societal limitations.
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 importance of Self-Improvement
Jonathan’s unwavering determination for self-improvement show the importance of personal growth. The story emphasizes the idea of striving for excellence. Jonathan is not content with merely surviving; he seeks to master the art of flying, illustrating the value of dedication and practice. Relating this to my personal life, my decision to pursue the International Institute for Global Leadership course is an intentional pursuit for personal growth and improvement. This program seeks to better my performance as a world citizen and an advocate for human rights and social and economic development.
ii. Nonconformity
The book seeks to portray that sometimes it takes a person to take the road less travelled to achieve greatness. We do not have to follow the crowd, sometimes the masses tend to weigh some people down and it comes to prevent the achievement of greatness. At times we do not have to go with the ‘it has always been done this way’ route. Therefore the book conveys that being different is okay.
iii. The power of Mentorship
Through the pages of the book we get a glimpse of the power or having someone to look up to and to guide you. When Jonathan was still discovering his talent and himself, he had no one guiding him and that was a challenging and lonely experience for him. When he was in a community that accepted him for who he is he appreciated the community that surrounded him. Jonathan Seagull made a vow to himself that he would be the source of mentorship to anyone that needed guidance, training and acceptance.
iv. Freedom and Liberation
Jonathan’s desire to fly higher symbolizes a quest for freedom, both physically and spiritually. It reflects the struggle against limitations imposed by society.
v. Rejection and Acceptance:
Jonathan faces rejection from his flock for his unconventional ideas, highlighting the challenges of being different. However, he eventually finds acceptance among others who share his passion ad way of thinking. This presented me with a way to an introspection in the sense that no matter how overwhelmed I might feel with situations if I put my trust in God, I will always have a compass that will guide me to where I belong. My skills and the way I execute them are not everyone’s cup of tea.
Jonathan discovers the importance of connection with others when he was pursuing individuality. Sharing knowledge and experiences enriches both personal and communal life. Therefore I will take it upon myself to excel in what I am good with and to use my skills to set an example for others who strive to follow in those footsteps.
vi. Spiritual Growth
Jonathan’s journey is also an imagery and a metaphor that represents a spiritual awakening . The book and the character’s journey explores the theme of enlightenment . We also see Jonathan Seagull’s resilience and the pursuit of higher understanding. We need to focus on spiritual growth and whatever elements that lead us there and forsake anything that hinders that.
vii. Love
The story highlights the importance of love, both in the context of Jonathan’s relationships with others and also with himself. It draws our attention to us on the importance of community and community support, there is so much that a person can accomplish and achieve, but with a support system that loves , encourages and supports you, life tend to move and operate 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?
The majority of the main themes and ideas highlighted in the book’s allegory through the deep imagery that is: Rejection and Acceptance, The importance of Self-Improvement, Nonconformity, the power and importance of mentorship, Freedom and Liberation and Rejection and Acceptance. All the above mentioned these ultimately presents a ground to resonate with anyone seeking to explore their potential and find meaning in their 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.
“Most gulls don’t bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight—how to get from shore to food and back again.”
This statement is a reflection of the mediocrity that a lot of people settle for during the time they are alive , in their lifetime .There is the recurring urge that the author draws for people to take chances, think outside the box , to yearn for more to life and to explore their potential beyond societal expectations.
“The only thing that matters is that you can fly.”
This statement summarizes the main message of the book: the importance of pursuing what truly matters to a person. It serves as a reminder that personal fulfillment often lies in the pursuit of our passions, regardless what is deemed the norm.
“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now.”
There is an emphasis on the significance of genuineness and authenticity. It resonates because it encourages embracing a person’s true nature and the idea that true freedom comes from being authentic. It’s a powerful reminder that self-acceptance is essential for personal growth.
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?
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, the themes of individuality, freedom, and self-discovery are generally clear. However I do find some aspects of the philosophy presented in the book as overly idealistic and simplistic. For example, the idea that one can rise above societal norms purely through personal dedication can seem overly optimistic, especially in a world where external circumstances often play a weighty role in determining a person’s path in life. The portrayal of the birds as entirely separate from their community. In actual fact, social structures, associations and connections every so often provide support and context for individual growth. The book’s emphasis on pursuing one’s passion is inspiring, but it can overlook the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with communal responsibilities.
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, The book titled “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach does include some exercises and also some reflections that are aimed at encouraging readers to think about their own lives and aspirations, I did find myself looking at my life and my relationship with myself, other people and with God.
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. Ten is good and one is poor.
A. How interesting was it to read? 6
B. How helpful were the contents? 7
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 5
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 6.5