As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Kafui Klutse (Ghana)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Man is just exactly what he thinks he is.
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 following are the seven cardinal ideas that were captured in the book; Man’s thought and character, the effect and circumstances of man’s thought, the effect of man’s thought on his health and body, the purpose of man’s thought, man’s achievement as per his thought, the visions and ideals of man and the calm and serene nature of man. The following paragraphs highlight the importance of each of the ideas outlined above.
i.. The Thought Of Man And His Character
The thoughts of man being it positive or negative can never be hidden. This is one of the cardinal ideas that were duly captured in Allen’s book. Indeed there are always a direct correlation between the thought of man and his character. This idea goes to confirm an adage in one of the Ghanaian languages (Ewe) that, ‘’ the mirror reflects what stands in its way.’’ This dimension of life goes to guide and guard the people or individuals they keep as friends since at the end, it is the thought that they may share either consciously or unconsciously will go a long way in affecting or shaping my character.
ii. The Effects And Circumstances Of Man’s Thought.
The mind is just like a kitchen where food is prepared. When a contaminated food is prepared in a clean kitchen, certainly the consumers will suffer for it. In the same vein, when food is prepared in a filthy and contaminated environment, it will affect the health of the consumers. It is therefore important for man to always maintain an objective and positive balance between his thought, desires, ideals and the environment. Thoughts are like viable seeds that have been planted on fertile ground. With all things being equal, it shall certainly germinate, grow and bear fruits in the likeness of the fruit/seed that was sown.
iii. The Effect Of Man’s Thought On His Health And Body.
Since the thought of a man is the fulcrum around which its entire life revolves, it is obvious that it will have a consequential effect on the health for that matter the body of the man. Man needs to first and foremost forgive himself in order to be in position to forgive others that he might have wronged or offended. This attitude creates the enabling opportunity for person(s) to truly renew and or restore relationships. When an individual continue to keep, ponder over, and condemn him/her self of a public embarrassment/ mistake, he will certainly become imbalance. This situation will affect all spheres of his life but particularly his health. As longs as every man aspire to be healthy, there is the need for all of us to create and nurture positive thoughts in our minds, souls and heart towards every creature.
iv. The Purpose of Man’s Thought
I can now confidently say that the purpose and thought of man belongs to him. Yes one cannot directly see the mind’s construction in the face except the action and character of man. In the same vein, the purpose and thought of man are covert and belongs to him only. It is therefore important to always think about what one is thinking about because, bad and evil thoughts will certainly push man into crime, evil and its related untold hardships and sufferings. I am confident that this principle shall continue to be in my mind’s eye and always remind me that every human being is a thinking being and needs to be handled tactfully.
v. Man’s Achievement as Per His Thought.
Man has insatiable appetite for achievement and this has direct effect on his thought as well.It is obvious that although we have all been created equally and uniquely to be achievers in one way or the other, societal values and principles regulate our achievements and achievers. Hence as long as society expects all of its members to work and earn a living, our actions and thoughts towards these achievements must be positive. One can infer from Allen’s perspective that for instance if one acquires wealth illegally or through short cut or foul means he would not have the inner peace to enjoy it. This is because achievement is by thought, action, commitment, faithfulness and hard work. Lazy people cannot get rich and even if they do, it might be through questionable means that cannot stand the taste of time.
vi. The Visions And Ideals Of Man.
The vision of a man challenges him to aspire to achieve his goal. With zeal, determination focus, tenacity of purpose man will surely surmount all the challenges of life and become what he has envisioned to be. It is therefore critical for man to identify what he wants to achieve, direct and commit his entire energy and thought to it.
vii. The Serene nature of Man.
One may ask when silence is golden? It can be said to be golden when man is able to quietly and calmly ponder over his thoughts before acting. A man who is calm and reserved is very often referred to as being a woman/ weak. But if he is able to always think through issues calmly but positively before acting, he stands to be the greatest man. What a man thinks about during his quiet time is what matters most because a man can be said to be calm and reserved yet cruel towards fellow human beings. After all, the mind is a fertile ground for all decisions.
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?
Knowledge and information are cardinal in the complete development of any man that aspires to be celebrated as an achiever. Indeed James Allen’s book (As a Man Thinketh) has actually enlightened me on the needed insightsthat ought to challenge and enable an individual to conceive of an idea, nurture it until its full potential is achieved. These principles, ideas and lessons have now become part and parcel of my life and will continue to consciously or unconsciously regulate my life towards the total discovery of myself and the attainment of my goals and visions. Yes in my daily life I know I am the world and the world is me. I will therefore be more conscious and conscientious of the world and all the elements that are in it. This is core because my thoughts, actions and inactions will positively and or negatively come back to me in the same way I projected them in my mind’s eye.
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 entire book is made up or worthy statements. However, the following are some of the quotations or statements that will forever form part of my daily deliberations and motivations.
“As man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
Oh! After all one needs not to hold anybody responsible for his inability to succeed or achieve laurels in life. It is true that connections/favors can help one to get a huge opportunity but it is the competency or the ability of that same individual that can keep him at that appreciable level. The destiny of man is in his own hand. And he shall achieve as his thought and actions direct him.
“Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit.”
This is absolutely right and it also confirms an adage in Ewe (one of the Ghanaian languages) that a goat cannot give birth and it will resemble fish. Literally, our thoughts are directly reflected in our outputs and actions. And also, husbands who suspect their wives for cheating on them will end up destroying their own marriages. In the other vein where there is healthy communication and trust for the other partner, the relationship/love blossoms. It is always good to be an optimist than being a pessimist.
“Thoughts of fear have been known to kill a man as speedily as a bullet and they are continually killing thousands.”
A writer ones defined fear (F.E.A.R) as False Entity Appearing as Reality. It is also said that coward die several times before their deaths. All these are pointing to the fact that, man needs to be courageous and determined in order to achieve his goals and objectives. Victory and success is for the brave and committed man that always tells himself, Yes! I can make.
“A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it.”
This statement is very important to me, because it gives me the inner feeling and resolution that I can achieve all my goals and targets in life if only I am able to develop them appropriately and commit my time, energy and thought to them.
“He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it.”
This is a great and very deep statement. And it is simple and clear. Commit your thought and your whole self to what you want and you will certainly get.
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?
Allen’s master piece is indeed a timeless classic. However, as much as I enjoy every paragraph and share in his views and thoughts, I disagree with the statement, “The so-called saint who does not wash his body in not a saint.” To me, this statement has to do more with the inner being than the body which is mortal. Although one stands to gain a lot of benefits for keeping his body clean, it will be unfortunate to conclude that if a man for one reason or the other is unable to wash his body he has indirectly lost his spiritual cleanliness or piety. Spiritual cleanliness or sanctity is an inner issue and not washing of the body which is mortal.
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 contained series of exercises. These exercises are rather supposed to be part and parcel of one’s life. It will therefore be difficult to say that I have completed or finished solving them. However I can gladly say I am committed to working on all so that in the future the attitudinal and behavioral changes that shall positively affect my life, will confirm how far I have gone with these exercises.
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? 8
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 Kafui Klutse (Ghana)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Determination leads to self-discovery and contentment.
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.
Although the book was not voluminous, it was so amazing how the author was able to carry through his message. These ideas can be captured under seven main themes. These are; thought and action, the effects of our thoughts, the environment and our thoughts, purpose of man’s thought, man’s thought and results, vision and principles of man and calmness. The highlights of these ideas are duly captured in the following paragraphs;
i. Thought and Action
Man’s thought is the prompter of his actions. Indeed it is the thought that builds the senses of satisfaction or dissatisfaction within us. Finally the innermost appreciation of one’s environment or otherwise that informs the action that ought to be taken. As captured in the book, for most gulls, it is eating that matters but to Livingston, flying was his priority. In his thought he realized the need to leave above the ordinary gulls. This has given me the awareness that, man needs to always say ‘’good’’ is not ‘’enough’’. This world view will always challenge me to aspire for excellence and greater things in life.
ii. The Effects of our Thought.
It is a true that our thoughts do have effect on us. These effects could be positive or negative depending on the thought we nurture. For instance, after my first degree in 2009, I decided to enroll for a Master of Arts degree program (sandwich option). A lot of my colleagues never supported the idea because to them, it will be difficult for me to effectively combine studies with job. Despite their worries, I was resolute to pursue the course. I went ahead to enroll and with determination and commitment, I was able to graduate successfully with my colleagues as scheduled. I was subsequently promoted to a higher level. Just like Jonathan, I am glad to say that I have been able to encourage six other friends and they are currently pursuing the same program who hitherto never saw the possibility of working and also studying concurrently.
iii. The Environment and our Thoughts.
The environments for that matter the elements in it affect our lives in one way or the other. However the effects may be man has the power, right and ability to challenge himself and derive the best out the situation. This is very necessary because he who is content with his environment is likely to relax and will aspire to discover ‘’new heavens’’. On the contrary, a man with awesome thoughts, zeal and passion to break new grounds and yet has unfriendly environment Must and Will see and embrace those challenges as means to discovering and reaching his “new heaven.”
iv. The Purpose of Man’s Thought
Our needs, wants and challenges on earth direct or shape our thoughts. As said that there is no smoke without fire, so it is that behind every thought and action there is a latent reason or purpose. Jonathan Livingston Seagull purposed to be popular among other birds. He therefore committed his entire thought, body and soul to related trials and adventures that will help him achieve his aim. I can say here that, the best way to attain excellence and be revered is to tell one’s self that “I can make it” and ensure that this is reflected in all your actions. No wonder Jonathan was considered as the special one.
v. The Thought of Man and its results.
Jonathan’s decision of not resigning to faith and not continue to enjoy food, saw him discover his abilities and capabilities. More importantly, his adventure has helped him to bring joy and hope to his colleagues that failed to see beyond their immediate environment and abilities. This has given me a deeper motivation to strive to achieve. Also it behoves on all successful persons to always have a retrospection of past life experiences and thereby put strategies in place to empower the vulnerable in society. I have deduced from the this book that successful persons must always be prepared and willing to share their success stories, experiences and strategies will all persons so that collectively, we can work to improve our present predicaments.
vi. The Visions And Ideals Of Man.
I am highly encouraged by Jonathan’s sheer desire and commitment to be identified and celebrated as the most special bird with excellence and ingenuity. Although the comments of his parents were meant to discourage him, he remained resolute and when necessary he was bold to tell the parents that ‘’ I just want to know what I can do in the air and what I can’t, that’s all’’. We have to remain focused and dedicated to achieving our dreams aspirations and visions regardless of the obstacles or destructions that we may encounter on our ways. I am delighted to say that I have learnt to say ‘’ I will try’’ or be assertive in order to make a positive difference.
vii. Calmness.
Man’s desire to achieve excellence should not be characterized by rowdiness, destruction and or conflict. There the need for one to have an appreciable sense of mental fortitude to be able to achieve personal ambitions and aspirations. Man only needs to remain calm and think through his plans and be able to strategize to achieve the desired results without affecting the life of others.
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?
From my perspective, Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull book paints a vivid picture of what pertains in our, families, institutions, and communities at large. For instance, some families always indoctrinate their children to be careful in life and avoid taking adventures that will rather lead them (the children) and the entire family into problem. Unfortunately such families are proud to tell their children, “destiny and nature does not make us to be famous and great achievers.” But Jonathan’s determination which finally changed the prevailing order among the Council of Flock gives me the enlightenment that culture and traditions ought to be dynamic.
Again, per the ideas and lessons highlighted in this awesome book, I am now duly informed that it is my responsibility to rise above all others and be in position to redeem, my family, colleagues and the entire community or society from their present predicament. Yes! it is possible that after rising to the top, some of my colleagues may reject the idea to come together in order to support or build the capacity of those still at the bottom of the social ladder. This refusal may be due to previous condemnations and oppositions they faced. But I am now encouraged that I have to consider their plight and reach out to them even if others will not.
Also I am now charged to go ahead to ensure that I achieve my personal vision and ambition regardless of the de-motivation words or comments from friends, parents, people in higher authority and or even from the entire community. Inasmuch as it will enhance my personal and societal growth and development, I just need to encourage the few people that may share in my vision so that collectively, we can help others to create a better and a newer “heaven” for themselves. In addition, I have resolved not to be discouraged by the challenges and embarrassments that I may face in my daily struggles to discover my abilities, capabilities and achieve my vision. Indeed I may stumble and fall but these things are rather to strengthen me towards the achievement of my goal and vision. Finally, the priority of a man should be to empower the vulnerable in society and not to be selfish and interested in food alone.
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 author made a lot of statements that are worth considering each and every day. The following paragraphs may highlight some of such statements.
“I don’t mind being bone and feathers mom. I just want to know what I can do in the air and what I can’t, that’s all. I just want to know.”
This was a great and bold response from Jonathan to the mother when she thought her son was worrying himself unnecessarily to be a distinguished gull. Indeed in the Ghanaian setting, such a response would have amounted to disrespect and sheer arrogance towards an adult. However, I see Jonathan as being assertive. To be successful, one needs to be assertive and where necessary be bold to defy traditions and customs in order liberate others. After all is it bad when one ventures to know and or discover his abilities and abilities?
“Boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that gull’s life is so short, and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed.”
Fear and anger do not promote unity. Both rather create a state of instability in one’s mind thereby preventing the individual from enjoying the calmness of mind which is a panacea to effective and excellent decision making and the discovery of one’s self. We will live longer when we are able to remove all tensions, fears and anger that prevent us from enjoying the calmness and serenity our lives.
“It always works, when you know what you’re doing.”
Yes a student cannot pass his exams unless he knows what he wants to be in future. Knowing what you want will challenge you to be committed to all that it takes to achieve your goal. However it also important to know who you are, plan what you want and know what you are doing to achieve what you want.
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?
Not really.
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 principles and ideas that I can consider as exercises. My thought, actions and principles are now being regulated by these principles of life.
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? 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