Victor Oloo – Assessments – International Institute for Global Leadership

As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Victor Oloo (Kenya)

1. What do you think that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The central theme of the book is to enlighten readers about their consciousness and make them aware of their true potential. Anybody can become, whatever and whoever he wants to become by doing continuous practice and right, active and good thinking towards the goal.

Thought and Character: The nature of our thought profoundly affects us and makes us who we are. In this way, Allen explores how thought creates character. What a person thinks of themselves will manifest in their choices and actions and, therefore, their successes or failures. Allen likens thoughts in the mind as plants in a garden. If well-tended, good thoughts result in good outcomes; bad thoughts will result in bad outcomes. Thoughts are seeds that grow or wither the circumstances of our lives. A person reaps what is sown, for good or ill, intentionally or unintentionally. Allen talks of right-thinking resulting in a noble and Godlike character. This is not subject to chance. On the other hand, entertaining groveling thoughts results in an ignoble and bestial character. The proper use of thought is the key to all happy outcomes.

Effect of Thought on Circumstances: In this section, Allen explores how our thoughts create our circumstances more fully. He uses the garden metaphor again, this time pointing out that thoughts are like plants that can either be intellectually cultivated or allowed to run wild. Thoughts cultivate the soul and character. Yet, soul and character are acted out through the environment and circumstances one finds oneself in. Although granting that the circumstances of life are not entirely within our control, he believes that most of our fate, for good or for ill, is determined by the thought-element within ourselves.
This may seem a harsh position in light of modern theories of systemic thinking. Still, Allen maintains that while outside circumstances will inevitably buffet an individual, it is when the inner creative power of the individual mind realizes its potential that any outer circumstance can change for the better. Circumstances improve or decline as a result of thought.

Effect of Thought on Health and the Body: The mind controls the body, according to Allen. In this section, he explores the idea of sound mind sound body. Enjoying good health or suffering from a disease are both the fruits of the quality of thought one allows to exist in the mind. Thoughts can be good and beautiful resulting in good bodily health, or thoughts can be bad and sickly resulting in bad physical health. Anxiety and fearful thoughts affect the body negatively, as speedily as a bullet. On the other hand, strong, pure, and happy thoughts affect the body positively, resulting in good health. Clean life and body come from clean thoughts, whereas a defiled mind causes a defiled life and a corrupt body.
Diet, according to Allen, will affect health only if thoughts change as well. Malicious, envious thoughts will rob the body of its health and grace. The evidence for this is an anecdote of an elderly woman he knows with a bright, innocent face of a girl, who has led her life with a sunny disposition. Yet, he also knows of a middle-aged man, discontented with his life, whose face is marred with inharmonious contours.

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 life.

i. A Persons Character is the Sum of Their Thoughts
“A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.”
To put it simply, we are who we are because of our thoughts. Our thoughts influence our emotion which govern our actions and behaviors.
Everything we do in our lives can be traced back to a single thought.
Whether our actions are spontaneous, unpremeditated, or deliberate, they all stem from our thoughts.

ii. You don’t get successful; you become successful.

Likewise, you don’t wake up one day committing crimes; you become a criminal.
Thoughts have a direct correlation with our identity, and our identity is our destiny.
“Man is a growth by law, and not a creation of artifice.”
Artifice – “clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.”
We can act and speak words that deceive people of our truth, but it is our thoughts that make us. We only grow into the person we want to be perceived as by the thoughts which consume our mind the most.

iii. Circumstance Doesn’t Create a Man, They Reveal Him

“Thought and character are one, and as character can only manifest and discover itself through environment and circumstance, the outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. This does not mean that a man’s circumstances at any given time are an indication of his entire character, but that those circumstances are so intimately connected with some they are indispensable to his development.”

We are not at the mercy of our circumstances; we create them. There is only a limited amount of circumstances we’re born into, of which we do not choose. Our parents, our location, and how we’re raised are a few, but it is our choice of thought that cultivates an unlimited possibility of circumstance we experience later in life. Many people are born into the same circumstances, yet only a few will discover they are the master-gardener of their soul and director of their life. As soon as we’re able to leave home and make our way in life, we can choose the life we want to live. Unfortunately, by the time we reach this age, we have picked up all the habits and beliefs of our parents and the way we see ourselves.
If we were raised to take responsibility for ourselves and developed a healthy self-esteem, then we will probably make better choices and create a fulfilling life. If, however, you are one of the unfortunate ones (like myself), childhood could have resulted in a poor self-image, crippling attachments, and unhealthy habits. It’s then common to feel like a victim to your circumstances, and believe the only way out is for someone of something to save you. You know, like in the movies.
This is the difference between the two mindsets, which is that one person is working from the outside in and the other is working from the inside out. When you work from the outside in, you see the circumstances in your life as happening to you. Bad things happen and it makes you feel bad. Good things happen and it makes you feel good. The alternative is to recognize that you have all the control from within and the choice to feel good no matter what’s happening. Yes, bad things might still happen, but you choose not to let it affect you because you don’t take it personally.

iv. Sickness Is a Manifestation of Thought

What is the difference between two people who receive bad news from their doctor with only a few months to live. And then, one dies three months later and the other lives for many years?
The difference is that the one who died took the news as fact and that there was nothing they could do about it. The other denied the prognosis and lived. It’s as simple as that and it happens all too often.

v. A Life Without Purpose Leads to Worries, Self-Pity, and Failure

Without a purpose, we drift in life not knowing our destination.
“Aimlessness is a vice.” To those who hold true to a vision and purpose, avoid the shortcomings of what an aimless life brings them. When we have no path to walk, we wander around, allowing our thoughts to run our minds. And if we allow our minds to be run by our thoughts, they take over our lives and produce a weak man with no self-control. A life purpose with an aim to accomplish it produces thoughts that strengthen our character, which holds us accountable to see our purpose through to the end.
Those who think with purpose recognize failure as a pathway to its attainment.

vi. We Don’t Get What We Want in Life, We Get Our Habits of Thought

Someone who thinks of confident thoughts, abundance, wellbeing, and compassion for others, become those things. When we impress these thoughts deep down into our subconscious, they become a habitual and we can only act in accordance to what is second nature.
Our first nature is instinctual and if our basic needs go unmet in adolescents, unworthiness and lack produce thoughts of their kind. If these thoughts go unnoticed and left to roam wild, they become habitual and our destiny.

vii. Your Life is the Sum of Your Vision and Ideals
Up to this point in the book, Allen speaks mainly of our past and present. Whether it be our current circumstance, character, health or self-image, they can all be traced back to thoughts about the past or present. Chapter four touches on thoughts of worry and failure, which are said to be thoughts driven by fear of the future. But to think of the future without fear depends on our strength in Vision and Ideals.
To hold a vision of ourselves greater than our past failures and worthier than our present self-esteem is to bring that vision into existence. Becoming aware of our thoughts and making a choice to change them creates a new vision for ourselves.

When we realize the influence of our thoughts, we imagine a different and brighter future.
That vision is the driving force for new, empowering thoughts and the attainment of our deepest desires.
You imagine a new version of yourself in your vision and that version of you deserves everything you’ve ever wanted. New thoughts arise from that vision and you become that what you think of and visualize most.

viii. Serenity

Serenity is finding that center of ourselves where presence and inner peace live.
When we return there often, it expands, and we realize that awareness is who we truly are.
This is where genuine life exists. Not in thought, not in suffering, and not in hoping and wishing.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping to create a better world? If so, how?

This ideas will help me, to Borden my thinking capacity in whatever i do and make best out of my brain.

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.

“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves.”

“The strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting-point for future power and triumph.”

“A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. And he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of the hidden powers and possibilities within himself.”

“The outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state…Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”

“He who would accomplish little need sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much. He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”

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 well stated and clear it’s well understood too.

6. Did the book contain exercise for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all the exercises and did you find them helpful?

This is a portable book and a guide to determination of our dreams and goals, it is a continuous exercise that I will be doing.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Nothing else.

Please rate the following questions in a scale of 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? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Victor Oloo (Kenya)

1. What do you think that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The author, begins with a young seagull named Jonathan who has a strong desire to master flying. Unlike other seagulls who fly just to gather food, Jonathan values the art of flying for its own sake. He spends countless hours practicing, pushing his limitations to achieve extraordinary speeds and acrobatic maneuvers. However, his passion for flying is misunderstood by the rest of his flock, who consider it foolish and irresponsible.
Jonathan’s obsession for mastery goes to such an extent that he becomes alienated from the flock. Ignoring the primal urge for food, Jonathan is deemed as a rebel, a disgrace to the group. Inevitably, he is banished from the flock, forced to spend his life in solitude. Nevertheless, the isolation doesn’t deter him. He remains focused and continues with his flying practice, realizing that he is bestowed with a gift that transcends the ordinary.
In solitude, Jonathan achieves immense progress in his flight skills, defying all primordial set limitations. One day, he’s visited by two radiant gulls who escort him to a higher plane of existence, known as “the other side.” Here, he meets other gulls like him, who value flying as he does. They guide him, teaching him about love, kindness, and the purpose of life. It’s here that Jonathan truly discovers his potential and learns that heaven is not a place, but a state of being.

Having learned and progressed, Jonathan is filled with an intense desire to share his enlightenment. He wishes to return to his old flock and guide other misunderstood gulls. After sharing his idea with the Elders, though they find it dangerous, they don’t stand in his way. Thus, Jonathan embarks on a new journey, leaving his newfound paradise to serve a purpose greater than his individualistic pursuit.

Upon returning to his old flock, Jonathan starts teaching his knowledge to others. He begins with Outcasts and Bummels who were also banished from the flock. He trains them to aspire for more than mere survival and to experience the joy of unhindered flight. This draws attention, attracting other gulls from the flock who dare to question conformity and the set norms.
However, the road to imparting knowledge isn’t easy. The vast majority of the flock deems Jonathan and his students as a threat to the societal constructs, remaining stuck in their old ways of living. Despite the resistance, those who understand and imbibe Jonathan’s teachings considerably enhance their flying skills and experience a life much richer than before.
The book ends with similar patterns repeating. The flock banishes Jonathan’s students, just as they had done with Jonathan. However, they, guided by Jonathan’s teachings, continue pursuing their love for flying. The cycle of pursuing mastery, experiencing enlightenment, teaching, and facing exile, points towards the continual struggle against conformity.

Jonathan seagull is a rich metaphorical tale about an individual’s pursuit of excellence, desire for knowledge, and the determination to teach against habitual barriers. It teaches us about self-realization, breaking norms, finding purpose, and the pursuit of perfection for personal satisfaction beyond societal acceptance.

i. Pursuit of Passion

Jonathan’s unwavering passion for flying, rather than mere survival, encourages us to follow our passions and dreams, even if they diverge from societal norms.

ii. Resilience and Perseverance

Despite facing rejection and ridicule from his flock, Jonathan remains determined to improve his flying abilities. This underscores the importance of resilience and persistence in pursuing our goals.

iii. Individuality

Jonathan’s story reminds us of the value of individuality. Embracing our uniqueness and not conforming to the expectations of others can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.

iv. Limitless Potential

The book suggests that our potential is boundless if we dare to challenge our limits and strive for self-improvement. It encourages us to recognize that we can always learn and grow, no matter our age or circumstances.

v. Self-Discovery

Jonathan’s journey is one of self-discovery and personal transformation. It prompts us to explore our own potential and discover our true selves, free from the constraints of societal expectations.

vi. Risk-Taking

The story emphasizes the importance of taking risks to achieve our dreams. It encourages us to step outside our comfort zones and take a leap of faith.

vii. Spiritual and Philosophical Reflection

“Jonathan Livingston Seagull” delves into spiritual and philosophical themes, making readers contemplate deeper questions about life’s purpose and the pursuit of meaning.

viii. Mentorship and Learning

The character of Chiang, the Elder Gull, highlights the significance of mentorship and lifelong learning. It teaches us that we can always find wisdom in unexpected places and from unexpected mentors.

ix. Inspiration for Others

Jonathan’s journey ultimately inspires other seagulls to break free from their limitations. This reflects the idea that our actions can inspire and uplift others, fostering a chain of personal growth and transformation.

x. Freedom and Independence

The story is a powerful reminder of the beauty of freedom and independence. It encourages us to cherish our individuality and embrace the freedom to pursue our own path in life.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping to create a better world? If so, how?

This ideas will help me, be resilient in whatever I do be determined and do not listen to those who want to pull me down.

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.

“Instead of being enfeebled by age, the Elder had been empowered by it; He could outfly any gull in the Flock, and he had learned skills that the others were only gradually coming to know.”

“Seagulls, as you know, never falter, never stall. To stall in the air is for them disgrace and it is dishonor. But Jonathan Livingston Seagull, unashamed, stretching his wings again in that trembling hard curve–slowing, slowing, and stalling once more–was no ordinary bird.”

“By morning the Flock had forgotten its insanity, but Fletcher had not. ‘Jonathan, remember what you said a long time ago, about loving the Flock enough to return to it and help it learn?’ ‘Sure.’ ‘I don’t understand how you manage to love a mob of birds that has just tried to kill you.’ ‘Oh, Fletch, you don’t love that! 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. It’s fun, when you get the knack of it.’”

“And though he tried to look properly severe for his students, Fletcher Seagull suddenly saw them all as they really were, just for a moment, and he more than liked, he loved what it was he saw.”

“For in spite of his lonely past, Jonathan Seagull was born to be an instructor, and his own way of demonstrating love was to give something of the truth that he had seen to a gull who asked only a chance to see truth for himself.”

“His one sorrow was not solitude, it was that the other gulls refused to believe the glory of flight that awaited them; they refused to open their eyes and see.”

“’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?’”

“Look at Fletcher! Lowell! Charles-Roland! Judy Lee! Are they also special and gifted and divine? No more than you are, no more than I am. The only difference, the very only one, is that they have begun to understand what they really are and have begun to practice it.”

“He spoke of very simple things–It is right for a gull to fly, that freedom is the very nature of his being, that whatever stands against that freedom must be set aside, be it ritual or superstition out limitation in any form.”