As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Fatima Zahra Radouane (Morocco)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The author explains that what we think about shapes our character, actions, and future. If we think positively and with purpose, we will create a good and successful life. But if we think negatively or carelessly, we will face problems and failure. In simple words, we become what we think. By controlling our thoughts, we can control our life and make it better and our thoughts are our destiny, future and actions.
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. Your words are your actions.
This idea was important to me because it helped me understand that what I say and think every day shapes the way I act and live. Our words reflect our thoughts, and with time, they become our habits and results. For example, when I started speaking more positively about fitness, saying things like I can do it or I’m getting stronger, I felt more motivated to go to the gym regularly. I also became more conscious about my food choices and daily routine. Little by little, this positive self-talk turned into real actions, and I started to see visible changes in my body and energy. It taught me that if I use my words with confidence and intention, they can guide me toward the life I want to build.
ii. Positive thoughts create a strong and kind character.
This idea showed me that the way I think inside affects the way I behave outside. For example, when I started telling myself to stay calm and understanding with my colleagues, I became more patient and respectful in real situations. It helped me build better and healthier relationships at work and feel more confident about who I am.
iii. Bad thoughts lead to bad outcomes.
This idea was very important to me because I have experienced it many times in my own life. When I constantly focused on negative thoughts such as “I can’t do this job” or “I’ll never be able to wake up early to go to the gym,” I created mental barriers that stopped me from progressing. Those thoughts made me feel tired, stressed, and even useless. I started to lose confidence and made more mistakes because I was already convinced that I would fail.
Later, I realized that my mindset was the real problem, not my abilities. When I changed my thinking to “I can improve step by step,” everything started to get better. I began waking up earlier, going to the gym regularly, and feeling more energetic during the day. At work, I focused on learning instead of judging myself. This shift in attitude didn’t happen overnight, but the more I practiced positive thinking, the more confident and productive I became. Now, whenever a negative thought comes, I try to replace it with a constructive one. I’ve learned that our thoughts create our reality if we fill our minds with fear and doubt, we attract failure, but if we fill them with hope and determination, we open the door to success.
iv. Self-discipline in thinking is necessary.
This idea helped me understand that controlling my mind is like training a muscle, it gets stronger with practice and consistency. Just like physical exercise, mental discipline requires daily effort. For example, I started doing three series of squats every morning to strengthen my back and stay in good shape. At first, it was difficult to keep the routine, but after some time, it became a natural habit. I realized that the same rule applies to the mind: when I train myself to replace negative or lazy thoughts with positive and focused ones, I feel more productive and confident. Now, whenever I face a challenge, I remind myself to stay calm and think rationally instead of reacting emotionally. Practicing mental discipline helps me make better decisions, stay organized, and manage stress. It’s a daily reminder that our thoughts, like our muscles, grow stronger the more we train them.
v. Circumstances don’t control you: your thoughts do.
This is meaningful to me because I used to blame my environment for my problems. When I changed my thinking, like preparing better for my Spanish exam instead of complaining about time and grama difficulties, my results improved. The same happened with my health: when I decided to focus on good habits such as eating balanced meals and exercising regularly, I felt stronger and more positive. It showed me that a healthy life begins with a healthy mindset.
vi. Peace and happiness come from within.
This idea reminded me that true peace does not depend on what happens around me, but on how I choose to react. I cannot always control people or situations, but I can control my attitude and my emotions. For example, during a stressful project at work, I felt anxious because there were many deadlines and unexpected problems. Instead of complaining or getting angry, I decided to take short breaks, practice deep breathing, and repeat positive thoughts to myself. This helped me stay calm and focused. I also tried to look at the good side, the teamwork, the experience I gained, and the fact that I was learning how to manage pressure better. Now I understand that peace and happiness are choices we make every day, not things that come from outside.
vii. We can create our future through vision.
This inspired me because I used to drift without clear goals. Now I visualize my future and how to have a successful career every week. This has helped me take small steps like learning new skills and applying for opportunities and be open to the job market national and abroad.
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 in many practical ways in my daily life. By controlling my thoughts, I can stay calmer, make better decisions, and avoid negative emotions. For example, when I face a difficult situation at work, I now try to focus on solutions instead of problems. Thinking positively also helps me treat people with more kindness and respect.
In my personal life, these lessons remind me to be patient, grateful, and disciplined. When I think with purpose, I become more organized and confident. In a larger sense, if more people practiced positive and responsible thinking, the world would become more peaceful. We would judge less, help more, and work together to solve problems. For me, changing my thoughts is the first step to changing my world starting with myself.
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.
“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
This quote really caught my attention because it means that our true self is created by our thoughts. It made me realise that if I want to change my life, I must first change what I think inside. It reminds me to stay positive and to believe in myself even when things are hard.
“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
This quote was powerful for me because it shows that we don’t get what we wish for, we get what we become. For example, if I want success, I need to act and think like a successful person, I should be disciplined, confident, and hardworking.
“Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”
I love this quote because it taught me the value of staying calm. Before, I used to get stressed easily, but now I try to stay peaceful and think clearly before reacting. It helps me in my job and in my relationships.
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?
Some parts of the book were a bit hard to understand because the language is old and poetic. I had to read some sentences twice or more to get the meaning. One idea I found difficult to agree with is that all of our problems come only from our thoughts. I believe that thoughts are powerful, but sometimes people face problems they cannot control like war, poverty, or sickness. It’s not always because of negative thinking.
However, I understand that the author wanted to teach people to take responsibility for their mindset and actions. Even if I don’t fully agree, I think his message about staying positive and disciplined is still very useful.
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 “As a Man Thinketh” does not contain direct exercises for the reader to complete, like questions or activities. However, it gives many practical lessons that make you think deeply about your own life. While reading, I made my own small “exercises.” For example, I tried to watch my thoughts every day and replace negative ideas with positive ones. I also wrote short reflections in a notebook about how my thinking affected my mood and actions. These small practices were very helpful. They made me more aware of how powerful my mind is and how I can change my attitude in difficult moments.
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.
One thing I would like to comment on is how the book connects thoughts with health. The author says that a peaceful and positive mind can help create a healthy body, while anger or worry can cause illness. I found this idea very interesting because I have noticed the same thing in my own life, when I’m calm and happy, I feel more energetic and sleep better.
Another thing I liked is that the book is short but powerful. Even though it was written many years ago, its lessons still apply to modern life. It reminded me that real change always begins inside the mind, not outside. This book was the best recommendation for me because it describes me better, I just found and discovered myself while readying it.
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? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Fatima Zahra Radouane (Morocco)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea of the book is that in a world full of copies, we must dare to be an original. The author, Richard Bach, uses the story of a seagull named Jonathan to show the importance of freedom, resilience, and self-belief. Jonathan refuses to live an ordinary life, focused only on eating and surviving. He dreams of flying higher and better, even when others laugh at him or reject him. The book also shows that true fulfillment comes from following our passion and striving for self-perfection, even if this means breaking away from society’s expectations. It teaches that happiness is not about pleasing others but about discovering who we really are and having the courage to live according to that truth. For me, the book is also about personal growth and purpose. Jonathan’s flight becomes a symbol of progress, self-discovery, and the search for meaning. It reminds me that life is not only about comfort, but about pushing our limits, learning from mistakes, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
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. Making your own decision, even if you will be judged.
Jonathan refuses to live like the rest of the flock, and that resonates deeply with me. I’ve often made choices that others questioned, like when I chose my field of study at college. People thought I was unrealistic because it was new and uncertain, but I knew it was something I loved. Jonathan’s courage reminds me that being misunderstood is sometimes the price of being authentic. I’ve learned that doing what truly matters to me gives more satisfaction than following the crowd.
ii. Discipline
Jonathan wanted to fly higher, so he practiced every day and refined his skills until he mastered them. This idea mirrors my own experience in fitness. For two years now, I’ve been training consistently, and I’ve learned that real progress takes time, structure, and persistence. I once gave up quickly because I had no plan, but when I started setting goals and building routines, I felt a sense of freedom in my discipline. Repetition builds mastery in sports, in learning, and in life.
iii. Sharing is caring
When Jonathan finally reaches his goal, he doesn’t keep his knowledge for himself; he returns to teach others. That generosity touched me because I see the same value at work. As part of a data collection team, whenever I discover a new way to solve a problem and share it with colleagues, I can feel their appreciation. It creates connection, teamwork, and joy. Sharing knowledge doesn’t make us lose anything it actually multiplies what we have.
iv. Limits are often in our minds
The story shows that Jonathan breaks rule that other seagulls believe are impossible. This taught me that many fears are just mental barriers. I used to doubt myself before starting big projects, thinking I wasn’t ready. But once I began, I realized I was capable of more than I imagined. Every time I step out of my comfort zone, I grow. This idea helps me face new challenges with courage instead of fear.
v. Life is meant for more than just existing
In the story, most seagulls only care about food and basic survival, but Jonathan dreams of something higher freedom, growth, and self-discovery. This idea touched me deeply because I realized that I also fall into the same pattern sometimes. My days can easily become a cycle of work, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. I focus so much on what I must do that I forget about what I love to do.
Reading this book reminded me that life is not only about getting things done or following a routine it’s about creating meaning. It encouraged me to make more space for joy, creativity, and personal development. For example, I started dedicating time to activities that make me feel alive, like listening to music, drawing, and reading inspiring books. Even going for a walk at sunset or spending time in nature helps me reconnect with myself. This lesson also changed the way I see success. It’s not just about reaching goals or earning money, but about feeling fulfilled and balanced. Jonathan’s journey showed me that when we follow what excites our soul, we don’t just exist but we truly live. Now, I try to find beauty in small moments and keep learning new things, because every day is a chance to grow and to fly a little higher.
vi. Mistakes are part of learning
Jonathan fails many times before succeeding, and this helped me accept my own mistakes. When I started learning piano and a new language, I was embarrassed by my errors. Later, I realized that every mistake was a small step forward. Now, when I make errors, I try to see them as part of progress, not as failure. Growth comes from trying, falling, and trying again.
vii. Follow passion, not permission
Jonathan flies not to impress anyone, but because flying brings him joy. That idea struck me deeply. I used to chase recognition trying to please others or earn approval. But I learned that passion is the real fuel of success. Now, when I write, learn, or start new projects, I do it for the satisfaction it gives me, not for applause. Living with passion gives my actions meaning, and that makes me feel truly alive.
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?
Reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull changed how I see the world and myself. These ideas help me every day to focus on what really matters: personal growth, kindness, and resilience. In my daily life, they remind me that discipline creates freedom, that success comes step by step, and that kindness is never wasted. When I face stress or doubt, I think of Jonathan’s courage to fly higher despite fear. At work, when a problem seems too big, I remind myself that limits exist only in my mind, and I try to find creative solutions instead of giving up.
These lessons also guide my relationships. I try to communicate kindlier, to listen, and to encourage others, just as Jonathan guided his fellow seagulls. Small gestures like helping a colleague or sharing motivation or new positive habits can have a powerful impact.
Also, I do believe that when each person lives with passion, integrity, and compassion, the world becomes a better place. Change starts within us. If I focus on being authentic, disciplined, and generous, I can inspire others to do the same. Finally, this book motivated me to set clearer goals for my personal health. Fitness is now part of my lifestyle. It’s not only about looking good but about taking care of my body and mind. When I feel strong, I have more energy to help others and to face challenges with positivity.
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 whole book is full of powerful lines, but these quotes stood out to me:
“Maynard Gull, you have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now and nothing can stand in your way.”
This quote encourages confidence and authenticity. It reminds me that I don’t need to live in someone else’s shadow to feel valued. My uniqueness is my strength.
“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.”
I love this quote because it teaches that our limits are often illusions. When we look beyond fear and trust our potential, we can achieve things that once seemed impossible.
“The only true law is that which leads to freedom.”
This quote made me reflect on the invisible rules I sometimes follow just to fit in. True freedom means choosing our own path and having the courage to live it fully. Each of these quotes stays with me like forever.
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 really enjoyed Jonathan Livingston Seagull, some parts were hard to understand. The spiritual part when Jonathan goes to another level of existence and meets advanced seagulls was a bit confusing. I wasn’t sure if it represented heaven, dreams, or personal growth.
I also felt unsure about the idea of leaving the group completely to find freedom. I believe we can still grow and follow our passion without cutting ourselves off from the people we love. Community gives support and meaning. Finally, Jonathan’s fast progress seemed a bit unrealistic. In real life, learning and success usually take much more time and patience. But even so, these differences made me think deeply, and I appreciate how the book pushes readers to question and reflect.
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 does not contain formal exercises, but it inspired me to create my own. After reading it, I started to observe my thoughts and write down how I could “fly higher” in my daily routine to be more positive, disciplined, and creative. These small reflections became a kind of personal training for my mind.
7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions?
What I found special is that the book uses simple words but deep meaning. The story is short, but every line carries a lesson. It proves that sometimes wisdom is not in complexity, but in clarity. I also loved the symbolism of flight. For Jonathan, flying represents more than movement it means reaching our full potential and becoming free from fear. It made me ask myself, what is my own “flight?” For me, it’s learning, creating, and helping others grow. Another thing I noticed is how the story connects freedom and love. Jonathan’s freedom doesn’t make him selfish it makes him more generous. That’s a beautiful message: when we are truly free inside, we naturally want to help others find their wings too without boundaries or negative ideas.
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? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
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? 8.5