As a Man Thinketh
Assessment Pamela Gray (Australia)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Allen is conveying an idea that he’s come to through reading, meditation and experience that the human mind is “the Master power that molds and makes [us]”. So much so that he considers that one’s “character is just the sum of thoughts”. Allen says his intention is to get men and women to discover for themselves that “They themselves are makers of themselves.”
He uses word pictures and examples common to most people (even to-day) of mind being a garden and thoughts being seeds that need to be tended and respected and weeded and, naturally, harvested; and that the soul is like the earth that can be mined to find diamonds and gold, if only man would “watch, control and alter his thoughts” especially by perceiving their effects on one’s life and circumstances.
And there are laws related to thought – lowly/base thoughts will imprison and bring one down while high/noble thoughts will liberate; good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit.
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) “mind is the master-weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance”. This is a beautiful word picture of weaving and making a work of art that’s wearable inside and outside – fibre and threads are needed; patterns will reveal themselves or be purposely created. I can see for myself that how I think is how I see things and how I see things reflects my state of mind.
ii) “Only by much searching and mining, are gold and diamonds obtained, and man can find every truth connected with his being, if he will dig deep into the mine of his soul”. This highlights for me that often “arduous work” is required (as in most mining) but the results are invaluable. Any little bit of diamond or gold has a monetary value – you wouldn’t just sweep away the small diamonds that might fall on the ground in a jeweler’s shop. And gold and diamonds are very appealing to the eye.
iii) “Man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it . . . . . make this purpose his supreme duty” as it “leads to strength of character.” I find that, in my own life, having set a purpose to study, set up a business, travel, help others, etc and applied myself that I’ve achieved those things.
iv) And for those who don’t have a notion of purpose “fix the thoughts upon the faultless performance of . . . duty”. I can see that for some people, they’re not great thinkers or visionaries; but they do like to do a job well – I’m thinking particularly of some I know who are intellectually disabled and others who have mental health issues. For them, doing a job well is meaningful in their lives.
v) “the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking.” I have a friend who has schizophrenia – she gets inspired by positive thoughts and seems to thrive on flexing her mind to think positively and not dwell on incidents in her life. There’s an advertisement on TV helping people to give up smoking cigarettes. It explains that by “flexing the muscle of will-power” it will get stronger and stronger. She uses that as a reminder to watch and develop her thoughts in positive ways.
vi) “cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all, heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built”. I want to turn these words into a song, a poem of grace and joy and sing to the heavens.
vii) “calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control . . . . people will always prefer to deal with a man whose demeanor is strongly equable.” This is exactly what I’ve seen in crises eg a car crash, bush fire, emergency situation – the person to go to/be with or near is one who is calm, reflective, unflappable – they will readily help resolve the situation and take care of the things that they know are important to do. I’m reminded of some of the words that get me ‘into the mood’ of meditation: “my body enjoys being calm . . . . I’ll practice sitting very still . . . . this builds inner strength”. Sometimes I discover that I’m the calm person I need to be near/with!!
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?
All the ideas are basically reminders for me to continue and extend my meditation practices and to reflect on my life experiences. By meditating and reflecting I discover more and more about myself and unearth the diamond qualities I want to find (or re-find); and polish them up. Qualities such as grace, resilience, generosity, patience, kindness, love, beauty and stillness.
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.
“If you would protect your body, guard your mind. If you would renew your body, beautify your mind. . . . . . to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor.” To me, this is at least part of the global anthem that we all can live and so live with peace, equality, kindness and consideration on this the only liveable planet.
“think strongly, attempt fearlessly, and accomplish masterfully”. This too is part of the global anthem, the guiding principles we all can live by so that all humanity and living things (including the earth) are cared for with respect.
“perfect compassion embraces both oppressor and oppressed”. My comments are the same as for the previous quotes.
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?
I don’t understand Allen’s use of the word “animality”.
And I don’t agree with this idea of Allen’s “Doubts and fears should be rigorously excluded; they are disintegrating elements, which break up the straight line of effort, rendering it crooked, ineffectual, useless. Thoughts of doubt and fear never accomplished anything, and never can. They always lead to failure. Purpose, energy, power to do, and all strong thoughts cease when doubt and fear creep in. . . . . Doubt and fear are the great enemies of knowledge, and he who encourages them, who does not slay them, thwarts himself at every step.”
I actually think that doubts and questions are very useful. It’s like auditing – going over, reviewing checking that what I’m doing is what I set out to do, or that I am taking steps on the path I chose and that the path is “right”/”good”. I think the Dalai Lama recommends doubt. Although maybe what Allen is meaning is not to doubt once you’re clear what your purpose is; but even then it’s worth checking out which may mean doubting. Doubts for me haven’t always lead to failures or problems; they can help me set my course straighter or be clearer about what is I’m doing and why.
I wish there was more than the one reference to women in the book and the language wasn’t so “old-fashioned” and yet it’s still easy to read; and the quaintness/vintageness seems to increase it’s value. I do recognise that it was written in 17th century. Maybe it’s time to edit it and re-print. Now there’s a job!
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.
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? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 7
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Jonathon Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Pamela Gray (Australia)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
For me, it’s apparent that this book is about the extraordinary inner qualities in all beings and how to discover and ‘tap into’ them. The main idea is that we have limitations which have been gathered and ingrained in us by our culture, our tribe, our family, our beliefs. The limitations keep us bound to the ordinary and mundane things and we can easily just accept things as being the way they are. On the other hand, we can be free of the limitations, by investigating what we can do and what we can’t do, similar to JLS’s answer to his mother’s question “why is it so hard to be like the rest of the flock?”
Richard Bach conveys the ideas of challenges and failures and rising again to the challenge. Not giving up. It’s about experimenting, investigating, discovery (especially self-discovery), learning and understanding.
“The most important thing in living is to reach out and touch perfection.” “It’s also about lifting ourselves out of ignorance and finding ourselves as creatures of excellence.”
the ignorance is about going from one world into another that’s basically exactly as the one we came from and forgetting that was where we’re from and at the same time not considering where we’re headed. We get caught up ignorantly in living for the moment (not living IN the moment).
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why?
i) freedom is the very nature of being & whatever stands against that freedom must be put aside. For me this is about not being limited, not being ordinary, knowing, being aware of and striving to understand the perfect, invisible principle of life – that we’re free. For me, it’s about taking a little time in my room each day in quietness and meditation: practicing being calm, patient, tolerant, loving, generous; starting with myself. And not feeling or being pulled/dragged down by negative words, ideas or thoughts. I really like the symbolism of “rising above” and “flying”.
ii) Questioning in general. Not just accepting things as they are. Standing up for learning and discovery, whether my own or others’. For me this means being bold and courageous, particularly because women aren’t meant to be outspoken, aren’t meant to ask questions, but to accept what they’re told. When i first went to college that’s how it was. But in the last twenty or so years, women have been having more and more opportunities to question how and why things are done and not just doing what they’re told. Like in the 1970’s women’s art began to be recognised as art not craft – but women artists had to ask the questions and push the boundaries. Thinking “outside the square” usually involves asking “why?”
iii) follow heart/passion. This to me is about being myself, understanding who i am and what motivates me, not just conforming or trying to do only what needs to be done. An example from my own life is when i got my licence to be a marriage celebrant i needed to make a business card, advertise and promote myself. With help i created a unique logo and a 2-piece handmade business card along with information printed on beautiful pastel coloured paper. This then gave potential clients a fairly clear idea that i’m a celebrant who is creative, individual and pays attention to detail. It’s worked for me. Paper, creating, writing and colour are some of my passions.
iv) love; happiness and laughter. These are fundamental to me. It’s about working for and with love. Loving and receiving love. Seeing the best in everyone. Sharing, being joyful and generous and kind and careful. Again and again. Not expecting anything in return (that will happen automatically so it’s almost like a surprise, except you knew it’d come in one form or another at some point). Keep on working with and working on love and loving; seeing the good in every one and helping them see it in themselves. That’s what I mean by love. It’s fun, when you get the knack of it.
v) being respectful, to others especially by letting go of vengeance, revenge, bitterness, grudges, anger. For me it seems that there’ll always be people who can annoy/upset/disagree with me. But i’ve found that i get into more mess and negative stuff if i get into vengeance and bitterness.
vi) be inspired and inspiring. For me, this is about finding ways to be positive; keeping myself motivated, positive and happy – doing this inspires myself and others. It’s also about looking for guidance and inspiration in books, Nature, elders, children, friends.
vii) spend a time practicing whatever it is i want to achieve or do. So that i can become better and better at it and know more and more about myself.
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?
Reading the book and pulling out these ideas are excellent reminders to me to be the best i can be; to be courageous, to question, to not just do things because that’s the way we’ve always done them. To meet with like-minded people; to be inspired everyday; to meditate; to love, be patient, kind, generous with all i meet. To see the “big picture” – you can see this when you fly!! There have been times in my life when i’ve spent time in so-called underdeveloped countries, taking some of the practical skills and resources i have and learning about other ways of life and living. Because i love papermaking, languages and teaching/learning i’ve run papermaking workshops for people from and in many countries, using simple and very old techniques and resources; and establishing income-generation projects with them.
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 need to keep finding yourself, a little more each day, that real, unlimited [Fletcher Seagull] [or person within]. He’s your instructor. You need to understand him and to practice him.” This is the most significant quote amongst many notable quotes. Spending a little time alone with myself each day especially meditating and being mindful whatever i’m doing it’s the most potent thing i know to do. This informs my daily activities and keeps me calm and patient.
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?
One thing about the book is the use of pronouns and masculine proper nouns. I would change the pronouns from referring only to the masculine to also include the feminine ie ‘he’ to ‘s/he’, ‘his’ to ‘his/hers’ and ‘him’ to ‘her/him’ etc.
It’s an extra (but not impossible) step for us females to grasp the ideas put forward when only masculine pronouns and names are used – not all languages distinguish masculine/feminine.
And perhaps, when only masculine pronouns and names are used it’s likely that males think things, ideas, concepts or even whole books or subjects are just for them?? I’d be interested to know more about this through discussion and further reading.
Another thing is that I puzzle along with Jonathon Livingston Seagull “Why is it, that the hardest thing in the world is to convince a bird that he is free, and that he can prove it for himself if he’d just spend a little time practicing? Why should that be so hard?” It is a hard concept to understand, but I still ask why is this so hard? And how come it’s so hard?
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 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?
I’d be very interested in having (maybe even in developing) a work book – of exercises, techniques, things to practice to make the book more personal and relevant. This would also make the book more useful and give great feedback and ideas to other students. I now want to research the author and where and how he developed the 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? 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