As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Shem Nyakundi (Kenya)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Many people believe their inner thoughts are secret and powerless. James Allen holds the opposite view; he says our thoughts shape us in more powerful ways than we expect. Our ways of thinking are a subtle force that slowly bends the course of our lives in a certain direction.
In fact, he says that thoughts are the primary cause in our lives, rather than our circumstances. This means the more we encourage thoughts of strength, courage and perseverance, the more our actions will be bold and the greater our chance for success.
Allen uses the analogy of our mind being like a garden. We have to plant the right seeds in this garden and nurture them, and at the same time pull out the bad weeds. In this analogy, the right seeds are thoughts that make us vital, energized and strong, while the weeds are disempowering thoughts. Over time, our minds can become like beautiful, orderly garden that satisfaction and success. But if we neglect to take care of the garden, then our lives become a chaotic, overgrown, miserable mess.
Allen wouldn’t be the first person to make this analogy. Thousands of years before, Jesus talked about the Kingdom of Heaven being like a mustard seed. He said it’s like the smallest seed, but when planted and nurtured, it grows into the greatest tree.
Today society (especially politicians) encourages us to view ourselves as helpless victims. Maybe this view can give one psychological relief, but in the end it is a fruitless activity; to see oneself as a victim can only lead to hatred and depression.
Many of the most successful people had to learn this type of flexible mindset. “Everything around you that you call ‘life’ was made up by people who were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use.”
Modern self-help gurus often twist this idea that our thoughts influence our life into the irrational belief that we will get anything we wish for.
They say if you believe you will get rich quick, then you will!
If you dream of a shiny red Ferrari, then it will magically appear in your driveway!
(And if it didn’t happen, then you just didn’t believe hard enough!)
But the classic success authors like James Allen were very clear that our thoughts are just the starting point. Yes, we must begin by having the right thoughts and desires, but those alone are not enough. Rather, the right thoughts get us to do the right actions so we can “justly earn” what we desire. (And obviously desires are not just for material possessions, but also include a great family life, community of friends, charitable contributions, etc.)
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. Thoughts and Character
Allen begins by stating that thoughts are central to the formation of a person’s character. Just as a plant springs from a seed, so does a person’s character grow from the thoughts they cultivate. He emphasizes that pure thoughts lead to a pure life, while impure thoughts lead to a life of impurity.
ii. Effect of Thought on Circumstances
In this section, Allen argues that thoughts don’t just shape character; they also influence a person’s circumstances. People who think positively can shape their circumstances for the better. On the contrary, negative thinking leads to negative circumstances.
iii. Effect of Thought on Health and Body
Allen also explores the connection between mind and body. He suggests that thoughts of fear, jealousy, and anger will manifest themselves physically, causing disease and discomfort. Positive thoughts, however, will create a healthy body.
iv. Thought and Purpose
The author emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in life. Having a strong sense of purpose channels thought into action and allows one to achieve success. Aimlessness, on the other hand, leads to failure.
v. The Thought Factor in Achievement
Allen stresses that success is not a matter of luck or circumstance. Instead, it’s about hard work, focus, and persistent thinking in the right direction. Talent alone is not enough; it’s one’s thought and attitude that determine success.
vi. Visions and Ideals
This chapter deals with the importance of having a vision or ideal to work towards. By focusing on a vision, one can transform it into reality. The author likens it to an artist painting a picture; first conceiving the idea in the mind and then expressing it on the canvas.
vii. Serenity
In the final chapter, Allen talks about achieving inner peace or serenity through right thinking. He argues that calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom, attainable through understanding and control over one’s thoughts.
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 to be more open minded and understand that my brain is more powerful than anything.
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 outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to reflect their inner beliefs.”
This quote teaches us that our surroundings mirror our thoughts. If we focus on positive thinking, we tend to create a positive environment. It’s a reminder that we have control over our experiences. By nurturing uplifting thoughts, we can influence the world around us. It empowers us to recognize that change starts within us. Our mindset shapes our reality, guiding us to seek happiness and success in our daily lives. Let’s hold true to our beliefs and watch them manifest around us!
When we believe in ourselves and cultivate healthy thoughts, the energy we radiate attracts positives in our lives. This is why it’s essential to be conscious of our beliefs because they dictate how we perceive and interact with our environment.
“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
This insightful quote highlights how our true essence attracts similar energies. We often wish for success, love, or happiness, but what truly matters is our nature. Being kind, generous, and positive will attract those same qualities into our lives. It encourages us to become the best versions of ourselves. By working on our character, we can receive the abundance we hope for. It’s a friendly nudge for us to reflect on who we are at our core.
Let’s strive to embody the qualities we wish to see in others and in our lives. The changes we make within ourselves will directly affect the experiences and relationships we attract around us.
“The thought-seeds you plant today will produce fruit tomorrow.”
This quote serves as a powerful reminder about the impact of our thoughts on our future. Just like planting a seed, our current thoughts and actions have the potential to grow into something meaningful later. By sowing thoughts of positivity and determination, we can harvest success and happiness in time. It’s an uplifting encouragement for us to invest in nurturing our mental garden today. This encourages us to be thoughtful about the mindset we cultivate since our present mental state shapes our tomorrow. Let’s focus on planting good thoughts that will lead us towards fruitful outcomes in our lives.
“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”
This quote reminds us of the direct connection between our thoughts and our reality. Our present circumstances reflect the mindset we’ve carried up until now. And as we look to the future, it’s our thoughts that will lead us to where we want to be. It’s a motivating thought for us to consider what we wish to achieve. Lets us harness the power of our thinking to create a better tomorrow. By choosing our thoughts wisely, we can take the steps needed to build the life we desire.
“No one can raise you up but you. You must be your own champion.”
This empowering quote emphasizes the importance of self-initiative. While we may receive support from others, at the end of the day, it’s up to us to take charge of our own lives. We need to believe in ourselves and be our own advocates. This powerful message motivates us to take ownership of our paths and futures. We have the ability to create change and lift ourselves up. Let’s be our own champions and inspire others to do the same along the way!
“All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.”
This quote beautifully encapsulates our responsibility in the journey of life. Our successes and failures stem from our thought processes and decisions. When we cultivate a positive and driven mindset, we pave the way for achieving our goals. We hold ultimate responsibility for our experiences, both good and bad. Let’s be mindful of our thoughts as they are the driving force behind our actions. By adopting positive thinking, we can create limitless possibilities for ourselves!
“He who cherishes his life, his character, and his purpose, must examine his thoughts, for they govern all.”
This quote promotes self-awareness of our thought patterns as they shape who we become. Our life, character, and intentions can transform for the better when we take active steps to reflect on our thoughts. It serves as a gentle reminder for us to embrace introspection and mindfulness regarding our mindset. By valuing our thoughts, we are taking responsibility for our lives. Let’s commit to examining our thoughts daily and nurturing positivity and growth.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
This quote underscores the strength that comes with forgiveness. Holding onto grudges only drains our energy. Instead, forgiveness allows us to move forward and focus on growth. This is where real strength lies. It encourages us to let go of negativity and embrace healing.
Let’s practice forgiveness for ourselves and others. In doing so, we lighten our hearts and create space for positive thoughts and experiences to flourish!
“To right the wrongs of humanity, we must begin with our own thoughts.”
This quote highlights our individual responsibility in creating change. To build a better world, we must first focus on our internal thoughts and attitudes. It encourages us to practice empathy and positivity. As our thoughts shift toward kindness, we can influence others and inspire a collective change. Let’s understand that our thoughts can be seeds for better actions. Together, as we each choose to think positively, we can contribute to a more compassionate world.
“The greatest of evils is that of a man unmastered by his own thoughts.”
This quote brings attention to the importance of mastering our thoughts. When we allow negative or chaotic thinking to control us, it leads to our downfall. It’s essential to develop our mental discipline to steer our lives toward positivity. This empowers us to make conscious choices and improve our well-being. Let’s commit to self-mastery, cultivate a disciplined mind, and create a life we can be proud of!
“True happiness comes from the mind that has been conquered.”
This quote illustrates that genuine happiness stems from inner peace and mental control. When we become aware of our thoughts and manage them positively, we open the door to true joy. It encourages us to seek inner strength and calm, leading to a fulfilled life.
Let’s cherish the beauty of mastering our minds and discover happiness from within. We can create a brighter outlook on life when we take charge of our thoughts!
“A man is literally what he thinks.”
This quote reminds us that our identity is shaped by our thoughts. Our beliefs and perceptions truly define who we are. By focusing on positive, constructive thoughts, we can become the best version of ourselves. This powerful reminder encourages us to reflect on our patterns and work towards a better mindset. Let’s embrace the idea that we have the power to change our identity by changing our thoughts. It is empowering to know we can shape our own realities!
“Stronger than all of our battles is the mind that fights for us.”
This quote emphasizes the crucial role our minds play in overcoming challenges. When we can harness the strength of our thoughts, we can conquer adversities. It’s a reminder for us to use positive self-talk and mental strength to face life head-on.Let’s remember that we have the powerful allies in our minds. By nurturing a resilient mindset, we can tackle any obstacle that comes our way!
“Success is the product of the right thoughts.”
This quote succinctly points out the connection between success and our mindset. Right thoughts lead to the right actions, which ultimately pave the way for our achievements. This promotes a sense of ownership of our paths toward success, encouraging us to focus on cultivating suitable thoughts for our goals.
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 books is well covered and easy to read
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 contain exercise our brain and thinking is very important and we should give it a task every time and again.
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.
The book is very clear and well understood
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 overall rating you would give it? 10
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Shem Nyakundi (Kenya)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Jonathan Livingston Seagull is an independent thinker frustrated with the daily squabbles over meager food and sheer survival within his flock of seagulls who have no deeper sense of purpose. Unlike his peers, he is seized with a passion for flight of all kinds, and his soul soars as he aerially experiments and learns more about the nature of his own body and the environment in achieving faster and faster flights. Eventually, his lack of conformity within the Flock causes them to officially banish him with the label “Outcast.” Undeterred, Jonathan continues his efforts to reach ever-greater flight goals, finding that he is often successful. He lives a long happy life and is sad not due to his loneliness but only due to the fact that the rest of the Flock will never know the full glories of flying, like him. In his old age, he is met by two radiantly-bright seagulls who share his abilities, explaining to him that he has learned much, but that they have come to take him “home” where he will go “higher.”
Jonathan transcends into a reality, which he assumes is heaven, where all the gulls enjoy practicing incredible maneuvers and speeds, like him. His instructor, Sullivan, explains that a few gulls progress to this higher existence, but most others live through the same world over and over again. The Elder Gull of the community, Chiang, admits that this reality is not heaven, but that heaven is the achieving of perfection itself: an ability beyond any particular time or place. Suddenly, Chiang disappears, then reappears a moment later, displaying his attainment of perfect speed. When Jonathan begs to learn Chiang’s skills, Chiang explains that the secret to true flight is to recognize that one’s nature exists across all time and space. Jon begins successfully following Chiang’s teachings. One day, Chiang slowly transforms into a blindingly luminous being and, just before disappearing for the last time, he gives Jonathan one last tip: “keep working on love.” Jonathan ponders Chiang’s words and, in a discussion with Sullivan, decides to go back to his own home planet, to teach his original Flock all that he has learned. Returning there, he finds a fellow lover of flying, Fletcher Lynd Seagull, who is angry at recently being “Outcast” by the Flock. Jonathan takes on Fletcher as his first pupil.
Jonathan has now amassed a small group of Outcasts as flying students, with Fletcher the star pupil, and tells them that “each of us is in truth… an unlimited idea of freedom”. The deeper nature of his words is not yet understood by his pupils, who believe they are just getting basic flying lessons. For a month, Jonathan boldly takes them to perform aerial stunts in front of the bewildered Flock. Some of the Flock slowly join the Outcasts, while others label him a messiah or a devil; Jonathan feels misunderstood. One day, Fletcher dies in a flying collision. Awaking in another reality, he hears Jonathan’s voice teasing him that the trick to transcending the limitations of time and space is to take it step by step not so quickly. Fletcher is resurrected in the very midst of the flabbergasted Flock, some of whom fear and decry his supernatural reappearance, but Jonathan insists that he must learn to love the ignorant Flock. Jonathan’s body suddenly begins to fade away, he requests that Fletcher stop others from thinking of him as anything silly like a god, and he gives a final piece of advice: “find out what you already know.” Soon, Fletcher faces a group of eager new students of his own. He passes on Jonathan’s sentiments that seagulls are limitless ideas of freedom and their bodies nothing more than thought itself, but this only baffles the young gulls. He realizes now why Jonathan taught him to take lessons slowly, step by step. Privately musing on Jonathan’s idea that there are no limits, Fletcher smiles at the implication of this: that he will see Jonathan again, one day soon.
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. Jonathan is the quintessential outsider.
He embodies ambition, idealism, and an unyielding yearning for a life that transcends the mundane. His singular focus on self-improvement and the perfection of flight stands in stark contrast to the Flock’s obsession with mere survival.
Jonathan’s journey symbolizes the pursuit of self-discovery and the unwavering determination to break free from societal constraints.
While his drive and hunger for knowledge are admirable, his initial inability to relate to those who don’t share his vision highlights a certain level of isolation and a struggle to connect with the less spiritually inclined.
His ultimate sacrifice of returning to the Flock demonstrates a selflessness and commitment to sharing his enlightenment, even in the face of potential hostility
Fletcher Lynd Seagull
Fletcher embodies Jonathan’s legacy.
Like his mentor, he’s an outcast driven by a desire to soar beyond mediocrity. Where Jonathan is the visionary, Fletcher is the disciple, his journey reflecting the internal struggles of the student.
He experiences self-doubt, the temptation to settle back into a life of conformity, and ultimately comes to embody the ideals that Jonathan has espoused.
His development represents both the power of mentorship and the fact that even the most profound lessons must be relearned by each generation.
ii. Sullivan
Sullivan serves as a guide and mentor to Jonathan after he arrives in what he considers to be heaven. He is a symbol of patience, understanding, and the passing of wisdom across generations. His teachings center on the limitless power of the mind and the concept of true freedom as a state of being, not simply physical prowess in flight. Sullivan embodies the belief that even those who have achieved a higher state of consciousness have a responsibility to support those still striving.
iii. Chiang
Chiang, the Elder Gull, is the wisest and most transcendent figure in the book. He pushes Jonathan further, challenging him to understand that speed and physical limits are merely illusions. Chiang represents the ultimate state of spiritual enlightenment, able to transcend time and space at will. His teachings emphasize the unity of all existence and the eternal search for perfection.
Chiang’s disappearance signifies that, in the end, the path of enlightenment must be walked alone.
iv. The Flock
The Flock represents conformity, limited thinking, and the fear of individuality. They are focused on the basic necessities of food and survival, unable to envision a greater purpose for their existence.
Their immediate condemnation of Jonathan’s differences demonstrates the resistance often faced by those who strive for something beyond the status quo. However, the Flock also holds the potential for change. Their gradual acceptance of Jonathan highlights the possibility that even deeply entrenched mindsets can shift given enough inspiration and example.
v. The Pursuit of Self-Improvement and Perfection
At its core, “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” is a story about pushing personal boundaries and striving for an ideal. Jonathan’s relentless drive to perfect the art of flight is a metaphor for self-discovery and a yearning for a greater understanding of one’s potential. He isn’t satisfied with merely existing for survival like his peers. This quest takes on a spiritual dimension as he transcends physical limitations and discovers a higher consciousness. Despite facing hardship and disapproval, Jonathan’s unwavering determination highlights the importance of personal growth and pursuing a path that brings true fulfillment.
This theme speaks to the power within each of us to challenge ourselves and explore the far reaches of what we are truly capable of.
vi. Nonconformity and the Courage to Be Different
He refuses to fit into the mold society has carved for him, a rebellion that leads to harsh consequences. His pursuit of flight as an art form rather than a practical tool clashes with the Flock’s singular focus on survival. This defiance comes at a cost – exile and loneliness. Yet, Jonathan never gives up; he continues to fly and learn on his own terms. The novel argues that breaking from societal norms and expectations is crucial for discovering one’s authentic self.
Sometimes, greatness lies in the courage to forge your path, even if it leads to isolation and misunderstanding.
vii. The Influence of Mentorship and the Spread of Knowledge
Jonathan’s journey underscores the transformative power of mentorship and sharing wisdom. In his new ‘heaven,’ dedicated teachers like Sullivan and Chiang guide him to break self-imposed barriers, mastering teleportation and time travel.
Their influence allows Jonathan to blossom as he gains confidence and a deeper understanding of himself. When he returns to his old life, this desire to share knowledge propels him to become a mentor to Fletcher and other outcasts.
The novel highlights the chain reaction that occurs when one individual strives for excellence and, in turn, inspires and guides others. This theme suggests that learning is a lifelong journey and that both seeking mentorship and becoming a mentor are essential to unlocking potential and creating a more enlightened world.
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 to be more positive and be a go getter like the seagull without any fear.
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
“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 will see the way to fly.”
“To fly as fast as thought, to anywhere that is, you must begin by knowing that you have already arrived.”
“Why is it,” Jonathan puzzled, “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?”
“Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.”
“We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly!”
“Most gulls don’t bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight – how to get from shore to food and back again.”
“Boredom between two people doesn’t come from being together physically. It comes from being apart mentally and spiritually.”
“A moment later Jonathan’s body wavered in the air, shimmering, and began to go transparent. “Don’t let them spread silly rumors about me, or make me a god. O.K., Fletch? I’m a seagull. I like to fly, maybe.”
“His sorrow was not solitude, it was that other gulls refuse to believe the glory of flight that awaited them; they refused to open their eyes and see.”
“If our friendship depends on things like space and time, then when we finally overcome space and time, we’ve destroyed our own brotherhood! But overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle of Here and Now, don’t you think that we might see each other once or twice?”
“Instead of our drab slogging forth and back to the fishing boats, there’s reason to live!We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can learn to be free! we can learn to fly!”
“A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise.”
“You don’t love hatred and evil, of course. You have to practice and see the real gull, the good in every one of them, and to help them see it in themselves. That’s what I mean by love.”
“Jonathan Seagull discovered that boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that a gull’s life is so short, and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed.”
“Heaven is not a place, and it is not a time. Heaven is being perfect. -And that isn’t flying a thousand miles an hour, or a million, or flying at the speed of light. Because any number is a limit, and perfection doesn’t have limits. Perfect speed, my son, is being there.”
“You are always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past.”
“For each of them, the most important thing in living was to reach out and touch perfection in that which they most love to do, and that was to fly.”
“Your whole body, from wingtip to wingtip,” Jonathan would say, other times, “is nothing more than your thought itself, in a form you can see. Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body, too.”
“Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.”
“That’s what learning is, after all; not whether we lose the game, but how we lose and how we’ve changed because of it, and what we take away from it that we never had before, to apply to other games. Losing, in a curious way is winning.”
“You didn’t have faith to fly, you need to understand flying.”
“We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill.”
“Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t.”
“We choose our next world through what we learn in this one. Learn nothing, and the next world is the same as this one, all the same limitations and lead weights to overcome.”
“Do you have any idea how many lives we must have gone through before we even got the first idea that there is more to life than eating, or fighting, or power in the Flock? A thousand lives, Jon, ten thousand!”
“Were free to go where we wish and to be what we are.”
“You don’t love hatred and evil, of course. You have to practice and see the real gull, the good in every one of them, and to help them see it in themselves. That’s what I mean by love.”
“Boredom between two people doesn’t come from being together physically. It comes from being apart mentally and spiritually.”
“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, or a million, or flying at the speed of light. Because any number is a limit, and perfection doesn’t have limits. Perfect speed, my son, is being there.”
“You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.”
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 books is well covered and easy to read
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 contain a lot of exercise that will enable me to move outside my comfort zone
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.
The book is very clear and well understood.
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 overall rating you would give it? 10