As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Toyosi Olamakinde (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
Mankind’s thought pattern can significantly influence her character,
circumstances, health and body achievements, and life in general.
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. Man’s action is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits.
The actions of individuals are derived from their thoughts and
beliefs, and the consequences of those actions result in either joy or
suffering. It implies that our thoughts shape our behavior, and the
outcomes we experience in life are directly influenced by our actions.
If a person’s thoughts are positive, compassionate, and considerate,
their actions are likely to reflect these qualities, leading to positive outcomes and joy for themselves and others. Conversely, if someone’s thoughts are negative, selfish, or harmful, their actions are likely to cause suffering or negative consequences for themselves and those around them.
This statement highlights the interconnectedness of our thoughts,
actions, and the outcomes we experience. It suggests that we have the
power to shape our lives and the lives of others through our thoughts
and the actions that stem from them.
This brings to my consciousness that it is important to cultivate
positive and compassionate thoughts because they are the foundation
for actions that usually lead to joy and happiness, while negative
thoughts can lead to actions that result in suffering and negative
outcomes.
ii. As the lord of his own thoughts, humans hold the key to every situation.
This statement suggests that human beings have the ability to think,
reason, and make choices. Humans possess the power of cognition,
allowing them to analyze information, consider possibilities, and make
decisions based on their thoughts and beliefs.
iii. Man’s mind whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and
will, bring forth.
It will still generate thoughts, ideas, and actions. It implies that
the mind is like a garden with an active force, constantly generating
outputs, whether consciously or unconsciously. It will always yield
outcomes, whether they are positive or negative, based on how it is
treated and developed. I believe that cultivating the mind through
education, continuous learning, and intellectual stimulation can lead
to more positive and fruitful results, while neglecting it may lead to
missed opportunities or less favorable outcomes.
iv. Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.
“Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself,”
suggests that a person’s true character and qualities are not
determined by external factors or situations, but rather those
circumstances provide an opportunity for the person to discover and
reveal their inherent nature.
In essence, this quote emphasizes the idea that one’s response to
challenging or difficult circumstances can provide insights into their
true character, values, and strengths. It suggests that when faced
with adversity or certain situations, individuals have the opportunity
to demonstrate their true selves, revealing their inner qualities and
capabilities. Instead of attributing personal qualities solely to external factors
such as wealth, status, or other external circumstances, this quote
highlights the importance of looking inward and understanding one’s
own reactions and behaviors in different situations. It suggests that
the way a person handles challenges and responds to circumstances can
provide valuable insights into their character and true nature. This
quote encourages self-reflection and recognizes the significance of
personal responsibility in understanding and revealing one’s true self
in various circumstances.
v. The body is the servant of the mind. It obeys the operations of the mind, whether they be deliberately chosen or automatically expressed.
The physical body is subservient to the control and direction of the
mind. It implies that the mind has a superior role in decision-making
and determining the actions of the body. Whether consciously or
unconsciously, the mind governs the body’s movements and functions.
The author says that “Disease and health, like circumstances, are
rooted in thought. Sickly thoughts will express themselves through a
sickly body. Thoughts of fear have been known to kill a man as
speedily as a bullet, and they are continually killing thousands of
people just as surely though less rapidly.
The people who live in fear of disease are the people who get it.
Anxiety quickly demoralizes the whole body, and lays it open to the,
entrance of disease; while impure thoughts, even if not physically
indulged, will soon shatter the nervous system.
Strong, pure, and happy thoughts build up the body in vigor and
grace. The body is a delicate and plastic instrument, which responds
readily to the thoughts by which it is impressed, and habits of
thought will produce their own effects, good or bad, upon it.”
vi. Intelligent accomplishment is only possible when the
thought of man aligns with his purpose.
Intelligent accomplishment refers to the ability of an individual to
achieve their goals and fulfill their potential through the
application of their intellect and abilities. it implies that when a
person’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions are in harmony with their
purpose or core values, they are more likely to achieve intelligent
accomplishments.
When someone’s thoughts align with their purpose, it means that their
thinking is aligned with their core values, and their actions are
directed towards fulfilling their goals and aspirations.
However, I would like to point out that, intelligent accomplishment is
not solely dependent on the alignment of thoughts with purpose. Other
factors, such as knowledge, skills, opportunities, and external
circumstances, also play significant roles. Nevertheless, aligning
one’s thoughts with purpose can provide a strong foundation for
intelligent accomplishment by providing direction, motivation, and a
sense of fulfillment.
vii. All that a person achieves and all that person fails to achieve is the direct result of thinking.
A person’s achievements and failures can be attributed directly to
their thoughts or thinking processes. While it is true that thoughts
and mindset can significantly influence our actions and outcomes, it
is important to consider various other factors that contribute to
success or failure.
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?
In line with John Locke, In his brilliant 1689 work An Essay
Concerning Human Understanding, Locke argues that, at birth, the mind
is a tabula rasa (a blank slate) that we fill with ideas’ as we
experience the world through the five senses. Having this in mind, “as
a man thinketh” is helping make conscious effort in my daily personal
life to be conscious of my thoughts and hat I feed my mind with. I
must be careful of how I allow my experiences via my five senses
affects my thinking.
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 human is a growth by law, and not a creation by artifice, and
cause and effect is as absolute and undeviating in the hidden realm of
thought as in the world of visible and material things.”
“Humankind is always the master, even in their weaker and most
abandoned state; but in their weakness and degradation they are the
foolish masters who misgovern their household. When they begin to
reflect upon their condition, and to search diligently for the Law
upon which their being is established, they then becomes the wise
master, directing their energies with intelligence, and fashioning
their thoughts to fruitful issues.”
“Man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently
cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or
neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put
into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein,
and will continue to produce their kind.”
“The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors; that which it loves, and also that which it fears; it reaches the height of its cherished aspirations; it falls to the level of its un-chastened desires and circumstances are the means by which the soul receives its own.”
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?
No, there is nothing in the book that I do not understand or is unclear about.
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 does not contain exercises for the reader to complete.
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? 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 Livingstone Seagull
Assessment by Toyosi Olamakinde (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book is that life is what you make of it. You are ultimately the major determinant of how you respond to life in the face of hatred, discouragement and preconceived limitations.
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. There is more to living than just surviving, working to earn a living and staying alive for as long as possible.
Life is complex, it is a journey that extends far beyond the pursuit
of material wealth and survival. Meeting our basic needs is important
but contributing to a fulfilling and meaningful existence is
paramount.
Jonathan Seagull, in an attempt to giving live a meaning, engaged in
personal growth and learning. There were discouraging voices
accompanied with doubts (As he sank low in the water, a strange hollow
voice sounded within him. There’s no way around it. I am a seagull. I
am limited by my nature. If I were meant to learn so much about
flying, I’d have charts for brains. If I were meant to fly at speed,
I’d have a falcon’s short wings, and live on mice instead of fish. My
father was right. I must forget this foolishness. I must fly home to
the Flock and be content as I am, as a poor limited seagull.) at the
beginning but he refused to accept to remain in its comfort zone. A
comfort zone where there would be no fear or failure. Desire to learn
should be unending if one must pull through in a world filled with
limitations. Embracing opportunities for personal growth, continuous
learning, and self-improvement can bring immense fulfillment. Engaging
in hobbies just as Jonathan seagull loved flying, acquiring new
skills, exploring different perspectives, and pursuing knowledge in
areas of interest can expand our horizons and enhance our sense of
purpose.
ii. Strong will and determination to be exceptional and refusing to accept the ordinary:
Having a strong will defiles the thought of fear, failure or death. It
is a powerful mindset that can drive you towards achieving great
things. This point is personal to me because refusing to accept the
ordinary means setting high standards, strive for excellence in
everything I do, whether in personal relationships, professional
endeavors, or personal growth and challenging myself to constantly
improve.
Embrace challenges: Being exceptional often requires pushing yourself
out of your comfort zone and taking on challenges. Instead of shying
away from difficulties, embrace them as opportunities for growth and
learning. Recognize that challenges are stepping stones to greatness,
and each obstacle you overcome will only make you stronger.
iii. Desire for more knowledge towards finding approaches to
achieving ones goals is important.
Knowledge is not just limited to formal education or academic
qualifications. It can be gained through various means such as reading
books, attending seminars or workshops, participating in online
courses, seeking mentorship, and engaging in practical experiences.
The more you thirst for knowledge and apply it to your goals, the
better positioned you will be to succeed because it will lead to
clarity. Jonathan seagull, via knowledge seeking, gained a deeper
understanding of the paths that could lead you to success.
I learned from the book that seeking knowledge will allow me explore
different perspectives, ideas, and strategies, leading to innovative
approaches in pursuing my goals. The more knowledge one possess, the
better equipped one is to handle obstacles and find effective
solutions.
iv. There are sacrifices to be made when you dare to be different including the consequences of breaking the age long traditional rules.
The price Jonathan paid was that he was cast out of the brotherhood of
seagulls but was was not deterred by it.
“What he had once hoped for the Flock, he now gained for himself
alone; he learned to fly, and was not sorry for the price that he had
paid. 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.”
v. Perfection is possible with continuous practice. Skills are
developed to the level of perfection and proficiency when what is
learned is consistently put into practice.
Practice allows individuals to refine their abilities, gain
experience, and ultimately reach a level of mastery. When we learn something, initial progress may be slow and imperfect. However, through dedicated practice and repetition, Jonathan gradually improved and refined its skills. This is important because as we
repeat the actions and tasks associated with the skill, we develop
muscle memory, enhance our understanding, and become more efficient.
It is worth of note that practicing regularly helps us identify areas
of weakness and focus on improving them. Just as the seagull in this
book, it allows us to learn from mistakes, adjust our approach, and
make a step by step progress. Each practice session builds on the
previous ones, leading to an accumulated improvement over time.
vi. Understanding one’s life’s purpose can play a significant
role in making a meaningful life.
Having a clear sense of purpose provides direction, motivation, and a
sense of fulfillment. When we have a purpose, we are more likely to
live with intention, make choices aligned with our values, and pursue
goals that are meaningful to us. Understanding one’s life’s purpose is important for a meaningful life because it guides ones direction and Focus: When we know our life’s
purpose, we have a clear sense of direction. We can prioritize our
time and energy on activities that align with our purpose, rather than
getting caught up in aimless pursuits.
When we have a strong sense of purpose, It keeps us motivated and
resilient in the face of challenges. Our purpose gives us a reason to
persevere and overcome obstacles because we understand the
significance of our actions and the impact they can have on ourselves
and others. This motivation and resilience can sustain us during
difficult times and help us stay committed to our goals; We connect
with something greater than ourselves and find deeper satisfaction in
our actions. When we are engaged in activities that align with our
purpose, we experience a sense of fulfillment and contentment that
goes beyond momentary happiness.
vii. One way to demonstrate love to the human race is by living a
life of influence by shining the light for others to see, making them
know the truth and believing in their self.
Life’s purpose involves contributing and making a positive impact on
others or the world around us. When we understand our purpose, we can
identify ways to contribute and make a difference. This sense of
service and giving back can bring a deep sense of fulfillment and
create a meaningful legacy. Just as the case study Jonathan Seagull
did, living a life of influence and spreading light can be a powerful
way to demonstrate love for the human race. By embodying positive
values and principles, you can inspire others to embrace their own
truth and believe in themselves.
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 lesson will help me to be true to my and live with
integrity. I want to inspire others by sharing my own journey and
experiences to help them find the courage to be themselves.
I must make conscious effort to show empathy and compassion
towards others. Understand their perspectives, listen attentively, and
offer support when needed. Small acts of kindness can have a
significant impact on someone’s life and contribute to a more loving
and compassionate society.
Cultivating a positive mindset and attitude is another
insight I got from this book. Optimism and positivity are contagious.
When you approach challenges with resilience and maintain a hopeful
outlook, you inspire others to do the same. Your positive energy can
uplift those around you and encourage them to embrace a more
optimistic perspective.
Sharing my wisdom and knowledge with others. Whether it’s
through teaching, mentoring, or simply engaging in meaningful
conversations, imparting knowledge can empower others to grow and
reach their potential. By being a source of information and guidance,
I can help others navigate their own journeys.
Leading by example, I believe actions speak louder than
words, and when you consistently demonstrate love, kindness, and
integrity, you create a positive ripple effect that can inspire others
to do the same. Therefore, living my life in alignment with my values
and beliefs and to be a role model by having the qualities I wish to
see in others.
By daily and continuously striving to be the best version of myself and positively impacting those around me, contributes to creating a more loving and harmonious world.
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.
“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.”
“Jonathan Seagull spent the rest of his days alone, but he flew way out beyond the Far Cliffs.”
“His one sorrow was not solitude, it was that other gulls refused to believe the glory of flight that awaited them; they refused to open their eyes and see.”
“The trick, according to Chiang, was for Jonathan to stop seeing himself as trapped inside a limited body that had a forty-two inch wingspan and performance that could be plotted on a chart. The trick was to know that his true nature lived, as perfect as an unwritten number, everywhere at once across space and time.”
“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.
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?
No.
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 does not contain exercises for reader to complete.
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.
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? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.5