As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Uzor Jane Chinenyenwa (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey is that a man is
literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all
his thoughts.
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. Character
A noble and God-like character is nothing of favor or chance but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with God-like
thoughts. An ignoble and bestial character, by the same process, is the result of continued harboring of groveling thoughts. This is important to me because it reminds me that nothing happens by chance when it comes to character and personality, that I can define
the kind of person I want to be simply by the way I think.
ii. Man is the Master.
Man is always the master even in his weakest and most abandoned state. But in his weakness and degradation, he is a foolish master and misgoverns his ‘household’. When he begins to reflect upon his condition and search diligently for the law upon
which his being is established, he then becomes the wise master, directing his energies with intelligence and fashioning his thoughts to fruitful issues. Man can only become this conscious master by discovering within himself the laws of thought- this discovery is
totally a matter of application, self-analysis and experience: This tells me that I only need to understand the great role my thoughts play and become a conscious master of it to become a great person, to become the person I want to be.
iii. What the Soul attracts
The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors, that which it loves and also that which it fears: I have to be conscious and careful of what I harbor in my soul, whether out of fear or out of love. It is better I totally eliminate fear and harbor only things I love.
iv. A man gets what he justly earns
His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered if they harmonize with his
thoughts and actions: To me, this means that I cannot be praying and wishing for something while my thoughts are on another. I must put my mind on what I want, I
must dwell on it, I must picture it, I must work towards it; it is only then that it can come to me. I usually align my thoughts with my wishes sometimes but other times, I get distracted and think otherwise but now, with the knowledge I have gotten from this book, over 90% of my thoughts are in line with my wishes and prayers.
v. Victories
Victories attained by right thought can be maintained only by watchfulness (else they descend again). Many give way when success is assured and rapidly fall back into failure:
It is not enough to be successful, I have to stay successful. To stay successful, I have to be very conscious and watchful of my thoughts to ensure they are always right. Currently, I am working on my business and career so I have to keep my thoughts right as I progress.
vi. Becoming a man
A man only begins to become a man when he stops to accuse others as the cause of his conditions and builds up himself in strong and noble thoughts and instead of kicking against circumstances, starts using them to make rapid progress and discovers
hidden powers and possibilities within himself: As I work towards being a better “man,” I continue to see and understand that I am in charge of my conditions and no one is to
blame; if there is any, then it is I.
vii. The body is the servant of the mind.
It obey the operations of the mind whether intentionally or automatically: My mind rules my body. So for example, if I believe in my mind that I am sick, my body begins to synchronize with my thoughts and I become sick.
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/ lessons I have learnt and pointed out are very practical and each one of them are helping me review my thought process; they are building me to become a better leader and as such play my part in creating a better world. Understanding the impact of my thoughts on my environment, circumstances and achievements, I now control my thoughts better to achieve a greater result, make greater positive impact and create a
better 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.
There are several statements which the author made that particularly got my attention. Below are the statements and why they are important to me:
“Every act of man springs from the hidden seeds of thought- both spontaneous, unpremeditated and deliberate actions.”
This is important to me because it tells me that my subconscious state results from my conscious state. It explains that what I think affects even my involuntary, reflex speeches and actions.
“A garden whether cultivated or neglected must bring forth.”
It tells me that my mind, every mind is a garden and must bear fruits, it is only I that can decide what it shall bring forth by either nurturing it or neglecting it.
“As a progressive and evolving being, man is where he is so that he may learn and grow.”
One has to learn from every situation and become better. I have to understand any situation I find myself in and learn from it.
“A man who has not begun to manfully control his thoughts is not in a position to control affairs and to adopt serious responsibilities- he is not fit to act independently and stand-alone but is limited only by the thoughts he chooses.”
Responsibility is given only to the ‘man’ who can control his thoughts. I have to be in better control of my thoughts to achieve greater heights.
“He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it.”
If I don’t give up on controlling my thoughts, if I continue to keep my mind on that which I desire, then I will realize it.
“Calmness of the mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”
It tells me that I don’t have to be anxious, if I keep my mind calm, I will learn a lot and become wiser.
“The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart-this you will build your life by; this you will become.”
I will become that which my mind dwells on the most.
“Self-control is strength, right thought is mastery, and calmness is power.”
I have to keep my thought right, control myself and be calm.
“Until thought is linked with purpose, there is no intelligent accomplishment.”
To accomplish any great thing, I have to keep thinking about what I
want to achieve.
“Thought is the fount of action, life and manifestation; make the fountain pure and all will be pure.”
My thoughts determine my actions and by extension, my life.
“A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely shape his circumstances.”
“Let a man cease from his sinful thoughts and all the world will soften towards him and be ready to help him.”
“Thoughts of doubt and fear can never accomplish anything; they always lead to failure.”
“The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do.”
“Doubt and fear are great enemies of knowledge and he encourages them who does not slay them, thwarts himself at every step.”
“A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped and he has to be strong of himself and develop that strength which he admires in another.”
“He who would accomplish little need little sacrifice, he who would achieve much must sacrifice much. He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”
“Suffering is always an effect of wrong thought in some direction.”
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 am yet to fully understand the statements made by the author in the third paragraph of page 16. Below are the statements:
“Intellectual achievements are the results of thought consecrated to the search for knowledge or for the beautiful and true in nature. Such achievements may sometimes be connected with vanity and ambition, but they are not the outcome of those characteristics. They are the natural growth of long and arduous effort and of pure and unselfish
thoughts.
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 did not contain any exercises and so I did not do any.
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.
I also want to point out that the book is full of great statements that can be said to be quotes which are life changing. However, the fact that it has no storyline makes it less interesting in my view but combining it with Jonathan Seagull’s story is cool. I look forward to other interesting reads especially true stories of great achievers as
that would inspire me greatly. Thank you.
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 was the content? 10
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? 9
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Uzor Jane Chinenyenwa (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey is that we are ruled by
our thoughts.
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. Perfection has no limit:
This is important to me because it emphasizes the need for me to continue to strive to be better. There is indeed no arrival in life-life is continuous. When one thinks they have arrived or are perfect, they cease to live, they only exist. When I got the initiative to
start up Noble Teens Club, to write a book, to start a business, I thought “that is a very good one;” I began to think that I was better than my old self, I was better than some other people who had not thought up anything. However, with every step I have taken towards these dreams of mine, I have continued to understand that there is a
lot more to do.
ii. Fear and anger are the reasons a gull’s life is short:
This is similar to man. Fear, like I wrote in my application kills one’s dream and prevents a person from achieving greater heights. It keeps one enclosed in a shell created by themselves. The funny thing is that what we actually fear exist only in our mind. Anger as well limits one to seeing only one perspective, theirs and as such makes one to live a limited life. When I was a teenager, I battled with fear and anger. I was afraid of what people would say of my speech/ actions and as a result I was limited, I lived a short life. I also had low self-esteem which made me angry and sad when people did not react the way I expected them to.
iii. Thoughts rule the body
I knew this before but it sank in more as I read this book. I have controlled my thoughts better because I have understood more the waythe body works with thoughts. I have seen the greater need to control my thoughts and I have learnt how to do so in a better way.
iv. Love is great-love is key:
I have known this for a while that love conquers all and indeed makes one better. However, I am yet to build that character of love fully, I am still working on it. I believe that to be a great leader, I must love wholly. I hope that by the time I am through with this course, I would have had more in-depth understanding and begun to practice it
better.
v. The purpose for living is to find perfection and show it forth:
I believe that God created me for a purpose- to counsel and bring joy to souls. I have a duty to find the perfection in that purpose and show it forth.
vi. Realize who you really are and begin to practice it. That real unlimited me is my instructor; I need to understand her and practice her:
This is a wake-up call. The truth is, just like everyone, my spirit tells me how great I can be, I see myself doing exploits. This gets me to sit-up and understand that God has put in me all it takes to be perfect like him.
vii. True Self
You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self here and now and nothing can stop you This is another eye-opener, I am usually afraid to do some things, say
or write or act in some way because I think for people- I imagine what
they will think or say about it. However, this explains to me that “I
am free,” I am the only one caging myself, I am free to be 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?
These ideas/ lessons I have learnt and pointed out are very practical and each one of them are helping me review my mindset; they are building me to become a better leader and as such play my part in creating a better world. I have to let go of fear and anger in my daily life, treat everyone I encounter daily with love, live purposefully and freely in a bid to
achieve perfection. In summary, I will control my thoughts more and continue to seek
perfection believing that I have all it takes.
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.
There are five statements which the author made that particularly got my attention. Below are the statements and why they are important 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 is important to me because it tells me that it is only I that can chain myself- I am very free to be myself, my true self at any time. There is no reason to act otherwise (unless I choose to). There is no need and it is infact delusional to believe that another person is to blame for the way you thin or speak or act or react to situations. The
truth is that we are in charge and we become who we choose to.
“You need to keep finding yourself, a little more each day, that real, unlimited Fletcher Seagull. He is your instructor. You need to understand him and practice him.”
This explains to me that we all have greatness inside of us, that I have greatness inside of me. I just need to look inward and live out that greatness.
“No Jonathan, there is no such place. Heaven is not a place and is not a time. Heaven is being perfect.”
Heaven signifies perfection. I should keep seeking to be perfect instead of looking forward to arriving at a particular destination. Even the Bible says we should strive to be perfect just as our heavenly father is perfect.
“You can go to any place at any time that you wish to. I have gone everywhere and everywhere I can think of.”
Once I can think of it, I can do it. Personal testimonies are the best- they help growing minds understand life better. It is similar to being visionary and understanding that everyone is free in their mind and out of the abundance of the mind/ heart, people act/ react.
“To fly as fast as thought to anywhere that is, you must begin by knowing you have already arrived.”
I have to see the picture I want in my mind before acting it out. With that, I am good to go. Without vision, I will not go far or may not even go at all.
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?
In the third paragraph on page 17, the situation in which Jonathan found himself is one which took me some time to understand. This was because the author explained that Jonathan tried so hard to fly like Chang but his efforts were totally fruitless as he never moved. And when he finally flew, he did not know his destination and Chang told
him he had to work on his control. I still need to understand: Why he flew to same place as Chang, was Chang controlling him? If he really did not move physically at all until
the day he understood what Chang was letting him to know about flying
like him.
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 did not contain any exercises and so I did not do any.
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.
There is nothing I read in the book that I would like to comment on
that has not been covered in the previous questions.
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 was the content? 10
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? 9
Keys to Success
Assessment by Uzor Jane Chinenyenwa (Nigeria)
1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?
The main idea the author is trying to convey is that anything and all things are achievable if there is a clear goal and motive and if the right steps are taken.
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. Going the extra mile makes you stand out increases your chances of success.
This is important to me because it emphasizes the need for me to exceed expectations. I have to put in more effort and carry out necessary activities with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
ii. Seek cooperation with yourself
This explains that I have to be the first person to believe in myself and my brand. If I cant sell myself to myself, then I cant sell myself to anyone. Similarly, if I don’t believe in myself, then no one would believe in me. I usually lack self-confidence and depend on people to encourage me. This, however, has strengthened my resolve to cooperate with myself and build my brand.
iii. Taking personal initiative is beneficial to yourself and your community.
With the illustrations given, I have been encouraged, not only to have an initiative, but to take action.
iv. Building a mastermind alliance is key.
No one is ever self-made. Building a mastermind alliance is as good as building a team of like-minds, with people who share your definite major purpose. Doing this would ensure that I am always on the spot; building ideas and taking action.
v. Taking an inventory of oneself guides productivity.
This is really a new one for me. It is like doing a SWOT analysis of myself. This would help me to know where I can fit in. it would also guide my personal initiative and direct my productivity.
vi. Major Purpose
Our major purpose may change as we begin to accomplish tasks that lead to it but the major thing is to begin work immediately. This explains to me that I don’t have to be so rigid about my definite major purpose. This is because things may change so I should be open to new ideas, problems and new ways of solving them.
vi. It is better to act on a plan that is still weak than to delay acting at all:
Sometimes, I am uncertain about the long term results of a project I want to carry out and because of that, I drag my action steps. This explains to me that everything does not have to be clear before I start action, I should just take the first step I see as right.
vii. Never let a day pass without taking action toward furthering your plan.
This means that in my daily to-do list, I should have at least one thing that leads me to attain my definite major purpose.
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?
Inspire enthusiasm in others: I believe that everyone’s destiny or definite major purpose is linked so as I become more enthusiastic about mine, it would rub off on others and encourage them to do same.
Feed your burning desire with images of your successful self: I should have a picture of who I want to be, in my imagination, and if possible, physically. This would spur my desire.
The turning point at which we attain success is usually defined by some form of defeat or failure: Because I was usually impatient, I saw failure as a stop most times, unless I get pushed hard. Now, I have learnt that it is sometimes necessary for success.
Infect others with your enthusiasm and teamwork will be the inevitable result: This tells me that if I am not enthusiastic enough, I would not form a good team.
When you ask for facts from people, be careful not to disclose the answer you expect or the motive behind your question: This is another new one for me, I was usually too sincere and impatient that I answer a question even before I ask it. Now, I reconstruct my question before I ask so that I can get the persons honest answer.
Once you are determined to achieve anything, the first thing you meet is an opposition. It takes persistence and a will to win to achieve a goal: I am not usually a patient person especially when I am opposed. This, however, has thought me that overcoming opposition is fundamental to success.
Control your action on your definite major purpose: I have to focus and control what I do, to ensure that it is towards my definite major purpose.
These ideas/ lessons I have learned and pointed out are very practical and each one of them are helping me review my mindset; they are building me to become a better leader and as such play my part in creating a better world. I have become bolder and more focused towards achieving my goal of becoming a renowned Christian teen coach and CEO among other things. In summary, I will focus more and consciously take bold steps to achieve my definite major purpose.
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.
There are five statements which the author made that particularly got my attention. Below are the statements and why they are important to me:
“Your definite goal may someday include being your own boss, but if it doesn’t, or even if that step is still some ways off, personal initiative can still pay off for you.”
This also emphasizes for me, the need to start and take personal initiative, going the extra mile anywhere I find myself.
“There are many travelers on the road that leads to happiness. You will need their cooperation and they will need yours too.”
Sometimes, I used to be indifferent about the cooperation of others but this statement has reminded me of the need to cooperate with others and I have started to practice it.
“Self-discipline requires self-knowledge and an adequate assessment of your current abilities.”
I have learned to know myself better in order to be self-discipline.
“Concentration upon a single idea has been the hallmark of success for countless people and organizations.”
There are usually many things I want to do at a particular time and I get distracted easily. This has emphasized the need for me to focus on one thing at a time.
“Procrastination is the archenemy of personal initiative and if you allow it to become a habit this early in the game, it will plague your every move.”
Never procrastinate.
“Clearly, personal initiative is a demanding quality, and its practice requires a good deal of mental resources. When your initiative is flagging, you can turn to the principle which breathes life into and restores every one of the others; positive mental attitude.”
Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) is a very important key to achieving my definite major purpose.
“Wasting time is sinful.”
This encourages me to use my time wisely.
“A positive mental attitude is the single most important principle in the science of success. You will depend upon it in everything you do.”
I should always put on a positive mental attitude.
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?
There was nothing in the book that I did not understand. I am also clear and agree with the ideas there-in.
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?
Study Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essay on Compensation once a week. Read the lessons on page 89-93 every week for six months to achieve a PMA. I have not done the assignments.
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 following made special meaning to me:
The illustration of Andrew Carnegie and the doomsayers on Page 84.
The illustration of the two envelopes we arrive with at birth on page 86-87.
One of the steps to building a PMA- comprehend that no one can hurt your feelings, make you angry or frighten you without your full cooperation and consent. Close your mind to anyone who wants to exert a destructive influence.
Perceive that self-pity is an insidious destroyer of self-reliance. Believe that you are the one person on whom you can and should depend on at all times.
Relate to every circumstance as something that has happened for your best, for it may be your saddest experience that will bring you your greatest assets if you give time a chance to mellow your distress.
Channel the energy you use to control others towards controlling yourself.
Occupy your mind with doing things that you want to do and there would be no time for your mind to stray to what you do not want to do.
Refuse to heed to anyone’s advice unless the person is willing to give you satisfactory evidence of the soundness of his/ her counsel.
Discern that personal power does not come from possession of material things alone, Mahatma Gandhi is an evidence.
Love is key and the best way to receive it is to give it.
Trust that adequate solutions are available for every problem you have but the solutions may not always be what you want.
Learn to tolerate people and like them for who they are and not who you want them to be.
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? 9
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10