Edward S. Miaway, Sr. – Assessments – International Institute for Global Leadership

As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Edward S. Miaway, Sr. (Liberia)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The central idea of As a Man Thinketh is that human beings are creators of their own lives through the power of thought. James Allen emphasizes that “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This means that character, circumstances, health, achievement, and serenity all stem directly from the quality and direction of one’s thoughts. Thought is the seed; life is the fruit. Allen’s message is simple yet profound: by cultivating pure, purposeful, and disciplined thinking, individuals can shape their destiny, create harmony in life, and rise above weakness or suffering. Conversely, negative, impure, or chaotic thinking leads to destructive habits, undesirable circumstances, and suffering.
Thus, the main thesis is that mind is the master-weaver: we are literally the product of our thoughts, and by choosing them wisely, we can consciously mold both character and destiny.

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. Thought and Character Are One

Allen asserts that thought and characters are inseparable: “A person is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.” This idea struck me because it dismantles excuses that character is predetermined by circumstances or heredity. It puts responsibility directly in my hands. For example, when I consistently choose thoughts of kindness, I find myself naturally acting in more compassionate ways toward colleagues or family.

ii. Circumstance Does Not Make the Person; It Reveals Him

Allen explains that external situations are reflections of inner states. He writes, “Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.” This was personally important to me because I used to blame hardships on bad luck or unfair systems. But seeing difficulties as mirrors of my inner condition empowers me to look inward and adjust my thoughts. For instance, during a stressful work project, instead of blaming disorganization, I examined my own impatience and learned to cultivate calmness.

iii. The Mind as a Garden

The metaphor of the mind as a garden was deeply meaningful. If we do not deliberately sow good seeds, weeds of negativity and fear will take over. This resonates because I have seen how unchecked worry or resentment multiplies, much like weeds. When I intentionally plant seeds of gratitude and discipline, my mental “garden” produces peace and creativity.

iv. Health Is Rooted in Thought

Allen connects mental purity with physical well-being: “The body is the servant of the mind.” This reminded me of times when anxiety physically weakened me sleepless nights, headaches, or loss of appetite. Conversely, when I cultivate hopeful, joyful thoughts, I notice improved energy and health. This principle encourages me to manage my thoughts as diligently as diet or exercise.

v. Link Thought with Purpose

He states: “Until thought is linked with purpose, there is no intelligent accomplishment.” This is vital for me because I sometimes drift into busyness without direction. Recognizing the need for a central purpose helps me prioritize and focus. For instance, setting a purpose to mentor youth keeps me from being distracted by less meaningful activities.

vi. Dream Lofty Dreams; Your Vision Becomes Your Reality

In the chapter Visions and Ideals, Allen says: “Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.” This reinforces the power of vision. I recall how dreaming of completing my studies motivated me to persevere through financial and personal struggles. Dreams are not idle fantasies they are blueprints for the future.

vii. Serenity as Strength

Finally, Allen concludes with serenity: “Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.” This idea resonates because I often measure success in terms of productivity or recognition. But serenity inner calm despite storms may be the greatest strength. In conflicts, I notice that calm responses de-escalate situations more effectively than arguments. Cultivating serenity is not weakness; it is quiet power.

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?

These ideas can transform my personal life and contribute to a better world in the following ways:

Personal Growth: By internalizing that my thoughts shape my reality, I take responsibility instead of blaming others. This empowers self-discipline.

Health and Well-Being: Monitoring my mental state as closely as my diet promotes holistic health. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, I can replace fear with faith.

Purposeful Living: Linking thought with purpose helps me channel energy into meaningful goals rather than scattering it. For example, I can commit to long-term community service projects instead of shallow pursuits.

Building a Better World: Allen’s ideas emphasize personal responsibility. If more individuals cultivated serene, purposeful, and virtuous thoughts, society would be less reactive, more compassionate, and more just. Positive thought leads to positive action; multiplied across individuals, it reshapes 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.

“Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.”

This reminded me to stop complaining about external situations and instead treat them as feedback on my inner condition.

“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”

This struck me because it shows why mere wishing fails. For example, wanting success without embodying discipline will only lead to frustration.

“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.”

This inspires me to aim higher and believe that visions are seeds of future realities.

“Self-control is strength; right thought is mastery; calmness is power.”

This beautifully summarizes the book’s wisdom. It teaches me that true power lies not in force but in self-mastery and serenity.

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?

While I agree with most of Allen’s philosophy, there are areas I find challenging:
Suffering as Solely the Result of Wrong Thought: Allen suggests that suffering always arises from wrong thinking. While I see the truth in personal responsibility, some suffering like natural disasters or inherited illnesses, seems beyond one’s thought patterns. Perhaps Allen means that one’s response to suffering reveals inner thoughts, but the claim feels absolute.

Overemphasis on Individual Control: The book sometimes underplays social, structural, and systemic issues. While thoughts are powerful, external injustices (such as war or corruption) also shape lives. Still, cultivating strong thoughts may help navigate or reform these injustices.

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?

As a Man Thinketh does not contain formal exercises like modern self-help books. Instead, it is itself an exercise in meditation and reflection. The book requires the reader to pause, reflect, and apply insights to daily life. I approached it by journaling after each chapter. For instance, after reading about the “garden of the mind,” I wrote down my dominant thoughts for a week and categorized them as “weeds” or “seeds.” This was profoundly 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?

One striking aspect of the book is, its timeless simplicity. Written in 1903, it remains as relevant today as in Allen’s time. In an age of endless distractions, his call to cultivate thought and purpose is even more urgent.
Another comment: the book reminds me that transformation begins inwardly. Modern culture often emphasizes external change, such as new jobs, new environments, and new technologies. But Allen insists that real change begins with thought. This is liberating because it means every person, regardless of resources, can begin transformation immediately by choosing their thoughts.

Conclusion
As a Man Thinketh is more than a book; it is a mirror and a guide. James Allen conveys that thoughts are seeds that shape character, circumstances, health, achievements, and serenity. The seven ideas I highlighted, thought and character, circumstance as revelation, the garden of the mind, thought and health, linking thought with purpose, the power of dreams, and serenity, are practical and transformative. By applying these principles daily, I can live with greater responsibility, health, vision, and calmness, while also contributing to a more just and peaceful world. The quotes that touched me distilled deep truths into memorable words. Although I find some ideas too absolute, the overall message is empowering: “We are makers of ourselves.”

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 Edward S. Miaway, Sr.

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The central idea of Jonathan Livingston Seagull is the pursuit of self-discovery, freedom, and perfection through passion and purpose. Richard Bach uses the metaphor of a seagull named Jonathan who refuses to live an ordinary life of merely scavenging for food. Unlike the rest of the flock, Jonathan loves flying for its own sake. For him, flying is not just a means of survival but an art, a calling, and a pathway to transcendence.
Through Jonathan’s journey, the author conveys that true fulfillment comes from following one’s inner passion, even when it means facing rejection, misunderstanding, or exile from the community. The story emphasizes that greatness lies not in conforming but in daring to rise above limits, breaking barriers, and seeking higher truths.
In short, the book’s main idea is that life’s true purpose is to strive for self-realization and freedom through the pursuit of what we love most, while inspiring others by example.

Here are the seven ideas that stood out most to me, along with my reflections and personal examples:

i. The courage to be different

Jonathan was ridiculed and eventually cast out of the flock for pursuing flying rather than food. Yet he chose authenticity over conformity. This struck me because in my own life, I have faced similar situations when my choices did not match society’s expectations. For example, during school I often chose reading, writing, and volunteering over activities that others found “cool.” I was called different, but like Jonathan, I found joy in my chosen path.

This idea reminds me that courage often means walking alone, but that loneliness eventually becomes strength.

ii. Passion is more important than survival

For most gulls, flight was just a tool to get food, but for Jonathan, flight itself was life. This showed me that passion gives life meaning beyond material needs. In my case, teaching and mentoring others has always brought me joy—even when there was no financial reward. Choosing passion sometimes feels impractical, but it keeps the spirit alive. Jonathan’s choice validated that living only for survival is not enough; we must also live for what excites and fulfills us.

iii. Failure is a step toward mastery
Jonathan failed countless times crashing into the water, stalling, or losing control. But he never gave up. Instead, each failure brought him closer to new discoveries. Personally, I have failed in business attempts, public speaking engagements, and even personal projects. For instance, my first small farming project failed due to poor planning, but the lessons I learned helped me succeed later. The book reminded me that failure is not shameful; it is evidence that we are learning and stretching beyond comfort zones.

iv. Exile can lead to discovery

When Jonathan was banished, it seemed like a punishment, but solitude gave him freedom to explore. Similarly, I’ve had moments of isolation—times when people didn’t understand my goals or when I worked alone on ideas. Though painful, these periods became fertile grounds for creativity. The lesson for me is that rejection is not always the end; it can be the beginning of deeper discovery.

v. Heaven is not a place but a state of perfection

Chiang, the Elder Gull, taught Jonathan that heaven is not a distant paradise but the experience of perfection and self-realization. This was profound to me. Growing up, I sometimes thought of happiness or fulfillment as something to be achieved “someday.” But this idea reframes it: heaven is here, in the present, when we give our best and touch excellence. I see this truth when I am immersed in writing or helping someone. In those moments, I feel aligned and whole.

vi. Love and kindness are the highest lessons.

Jonathan, despite being rejected, returned to help other gulls. He did not harbor bitterness; instead, he showed love, forgiveness, and teaching. This deeply resonated with me. I once had a friend betray my trust, and for years I felt bitterness. Eventually, I realized holding on to anger only trapped me. When I forgave, I felt free.
This idea showed me that greatness is not just about skills or achievements but about the capacity to love others, even when they misunderstand or reject us.

vii. We are unlimited beings

The book teaches that our bodies are only an expression of thought, and that true self is unlimited. This liberated me from self-doubt. Many times I’ve thought, “I can’t do this, I lack the resources or ability.” But Jonathan’s journey shows that limitations are often self-imposed. For example, when I was asked to lead a community initiative, I initially thought I lacked leadership skills. But through learning, practice, and faith, I grew into the role. This affirmed that we are capable of more than we think.

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?

Each lesson from the book has a practical application:
Courage to be different helps me remain authentic in daily decisions, even if unpopular. By doing so, I encourage others to embrace their uniqueness.
Living with passion fuels my energy in daily work. Passion transforms tasks into joy and inspires others to seek purpose over mere survival.
Embracing failure allows me to take risks in projects and innovations without fear, which is necessary for growth.
Seeing exile or rejection as opportunity prevents discouragement. When others reject my ideas, I can still use solitude to refine them.
Understanding heaven as a state of perfection keeps me present. Instead of postponing happiness, I focus on excellence in the moment.
Practicing love and kindness improves relationships, both personally and socially. By forgiving, listening, and helping, I contribute to a more peaceful community.
Believing in my unlimited potential helps me attempt bigger goals whether leading initiatives, mentoring others, or pursuing dreams.

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 will begin to touch heaven, Jonathan, in the moment that you touch perfect speed. And that isn’t flying a thousand miles an hour. Perfect speed, my son, is being there.”

This reminded me that perfection is not about numbers, status, or comparison it is about presence, mastery, and alignment with purpose.

“The only true law is that which leads to freedom.”

This challenges blind obedience to tradition or rules. I found it powerful because many times cultural or societal rules discourage change. Yet true laws should liberate, not bind.

“Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body too.”

This showed me how mindset shapes reality. When I think small, my actions remain small. But when I believe in growth, my actions expand.

“Keep working on love.”

The Elder’s last words are the simplest yet most powerful. Skills and achievements matter, but love is the ultimate measure.

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 allegorical, so some passages are abstract. For example, Chiang’s teaching about transcending time and space by realizing “you have already arrived” felt mystical and difficult to fully grasp. While inspiring, it left me wondering about its practical application beyond metaphor.
Also, the idea that physical bodies are “nothing more than thought” may be challenging to reconcile with real-world struggles like poverty or illness. I do not fully disagree, but I think this idea requires balance recognizing both the power of thought and the reality of physical circumstances.

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?

No, the book did not contain explicit exercises like a workbook. However, the story itself is filled with implied exercises invitations to reflect, to push beyond limits, to forgive, and to live authentically.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions?

Yes. One point worth commenting on is the role of mentorship in the book. Jonathan was mentored by Chiang, and later Jonathan mentored Fletcher. This cycle shows that true growth is not only about personal success but also about passing knowledge on to others.
In my life, mentors have guided me during difficult times, and I have also had the chance to mentor younger people. The book reinforced to me that knowledge is not complete until it is shared.

Additionally, the ending where Jonathan disappears and Fletcher takes on leadership shows a profound truth: no one person is indispensable. What matters is the continuation of the vision. This humbles me and reminds me that leadership is about empowering others, not creating dependence.

Conclusion
Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull is more than a story about a bird; it is a metaphor for human potential. The book teaches courage, passion, perseverance, forgiveness, love, and the boundless capacity of the human spirit. Personally, it has encouraged me to embrace my uniqueness, persist despite failure, and live with love and freedom. I am truly grateful to have read this book; this has completely changed my thought about some things in life and leadership. I am looking up to more of this reading.