{"id":5856,"date":"2025-05-02T11:41:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T11:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/?page_id=5856"},"modified":"2025-05-02T11:41:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T11:41:35","slug":"mercy-mwende-assessments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/mercy-mwende-assessments\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercy Mwende – Assessments"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a Man Thinketh<\/strong><\/span>
\nAssessment by Mercy Mwende (Kenya)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThis little volume (the result of meditation and experience) is not intended as an exhaustive treatise on the much-written-upon subject of the power of thought. It is suggestive rather than explanatory, its object being to stimulate men and women to the discovery and perception of the truth that. They themselves are makers of themselves.\u2019 by virtue of the thoughts, which they choose and encourage; that mind is the master-weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance, and that, as they may have hitherto woven in ignorance and pain they may now weave in enlightenment and happiness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThought is the fount of action, life, and manifestation; make the fountain pure, and all will be pure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuch is the conscious master, and man can only thus become by discovering within himself the laws of thought; which discovery is totally a matter of application, self analysis, and experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results. This is but saying that nothing can come from corn but corn, nothing from nettles but nettles. Men understand this law in the natural world, and work with it; but few understand it in the mental and moral world (though its operation there is just as simple and undeviating), and they, therefore, do not co-operate with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

i. Mind is a Garden<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvery thought-seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind, and to take root there, produces its own, blossoming sooner or later into act, and bearing its own fruitage of opportunity and circumstance. Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAct is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits; thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cAs the reaper of his own harvest, man learns both by suffering and bliss.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cBy pursuing this process, a man sooner or later discovers that he is the master gardener of his soul, the director of his life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

ii. Thought and Character<\/span>
\n\u201cA noble and Godlike character is not a thing of favour or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with Godlike thoughts.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cIn this direction, as in no other, is the law absolute that \u2018He that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened;\u2019 for only by patience, practice, and ceaseless importunity can a man enter the Door of the Temple of Knowledge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. Thought and Choice\/Responsibility<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a being of Power, Intelligence, and Love, and the lord of his own thoughts, man holds the key to every situation, and contains within himself that transforming and regenerative agency by which he may make himself what he wills.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cA strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped, and even then the weak man must become strong of himself; he must, by his own efforts, develop the strength which he admires in another. None but himself can alter his condition.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cA man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

iv. Effect of Thought on Circumstances<\/span><\/p>\n

In the light of this truth, what, then, is the meaning of \u2018fighting against circumstances?\u2019 It means that a man is continually revolting against an effect without, while all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cAs a progressive and evolving being, man is where he is that he may learn that he may grow; and as he learns the spiritual lesson which any circumstance contains for him, it passes away and gives place to other circumstances.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cPossessed of such knowledge, he will then know, looking back upon his past ignorance and blindness, that his life is, and always was, justly ordered, and that all his past experiences, good and bad, were the equitable outworking of his evolving, yet unevolved self.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

v. On the Soul<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven at birth the soul comes to its own and through every step of its earthly pilgrimage it attracts those combinations of conditions which reveal itself, which are the reflections of its own purity and, impurity, its strength and weakness.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cMen do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.\u201c<\/span>
\nOn Fate, Nature, & Universal Intelligence<\/span>
\n\u201cThe \u2018divinity that shapes our ends\u2019 is in ourselves; it is our very self. Only himself manacles man: thought and action are the gaolers of Fate; they imprison, being base; they are also the angels of Freedom; they liberate, being noble. Not what he wishes and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns. His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cNature helps every man to the gratification of the thoughts, which he most encourages, and opportunities are presented which will most speedily bring to the surface both the good and evil thoughts.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cIn a justly ordered universe, where loss of equipoise would mean total destruction, individual responsibility must be absolute.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cThe universe does not favor the greedy, the dishonest, the vicious, although on the mere surface it may sometimes appear to do so; it helps the honest, the magnanimous, the virtuous. All the great Teachers of the ages have declared this in varying forms, and to prove and know it a man has but to persist in making himself more and more virtuous by lifting up his thoughts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

vi. Thought-Habit-Circumstance<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful thoughts of all kinds; crystallize into habits of grace and kindliness which solidify into genial and sunny circumstances.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cPure thoughts crystallize into habits of temperance and self-control which solidify into circumstances of repose and peace.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cThoughts of courage, self-reliance, and decision crystallize into manly habits which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty and freedom.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cEnergetic thoughts crystallize into habits of cleanliness and industry which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cGentle and forgiving thoughts crystallize into habits of gentleness which solidify into protective and preservative circumstances.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cLoving and unselfish thoughts crystallize into habits of self-forgetfulness for others which solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

vii. Effect of Thought on Health and the Body<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDisease and health, like circumstances, are rooted in thought.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cOut of a clean heart comes a clean life and a clean body.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cThere is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the ills of the body; there is no comforter to compare with goodwill for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

viii. On Weakness & Fear<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPurpose, energy, power to do, and all strong thoughts cease when doubt and fear creep in.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cAs the physically weak man can make himself strong by careful and patient training, so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cHe who has conquered weakness, and has put away all selfish thoughts, belongs neither to oppressor nor oppressed. He is free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

ix. The Thought-Factor in Achievement<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIntellectual achievements are the result of thought consecrated to the search for knowledge, or for the beautiful and true in life and nature. Such achievements may be sometimes connected with vanity and ambition, but they are not the outcome of those characteristics; they are the natural outgrowth of long and arduous effort, and of pure and unselfish thoughts.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cSpiritual achievements are the consummation of holy aspirations. He who lives constantly in the conception of noble and lofty thoughts, who dwells upon all that is pure and unselfish, will, as surely as the sun reaches its zenith and the moon its full, become wise and noble in character, and rise into a position of influence and blessedness.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cA man is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, healthy, and prosperous being; and happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of a harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer, of the man with his surroundings.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cYou cannot travel within and stand still without.\u201d<\/span>
\nOn Visions and Ideals<\/span>
\nYour Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your Ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cCherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all, heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cHumanity cannot forget its dreamers; it cannot let their ideals fade and die; it lives in them; it knows them as the realities which it shall one day see and know.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cDreams are the seedlings of realities.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cThe greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cThe dreamers are the saviors of the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book is full of wisdom and the ideas will help me develop my brain and understand what I feed it<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherish your visions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherish your ideals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment, of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe dreamers are the saviors of the world. As the visible world is sustained by the invisible, so men, through all their trials and sins and sordid vocations, are nourished by the beautiful visions of their solitary dreamers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts<\/span>
\nand actions can never produce good results. We understand this law in<\/span>
\nthe natural world, and work with it; but few understand it in the mental<\/span>
\nand moral world; although its operation there is just as simple and undeviating<\/span>
\nand they, therefore, do not cooperate with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances. A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The book is well covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/p>\n

The book contain life time exercise<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s well covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong>
\nA. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nB. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nC. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nD. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nE. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Jonathan Livingston Seagull<\/strong><\/span>
\nAssessment by Mercy Mwende (Kenya)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The name itself only partly gives it away. But as you would expect, this novel is told from the perspective of a seagull named Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Jonathan wasn\u2019t like the other seagulls in his flock who simply loved eating fish. In fact, they flew only for that purpose. But not Jonathan. Jonathan loved to fly at warp speeds. He loved to test the wind on his wings. He discovered that being able to fly faster and fly to different places, even meant better and bigger fish. But as a result of his passion of flight, he received fierce discrimination from his peers and family. Saying he was foolishly using his abilities to fly. Because of his love for fast flying, this same family cast him out, and he flew to other places and greater heights.<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with this story are a variety of beautiful black and white shots of flying seagulls. Definitely take the time to look at them. Richard paints a glorious picture of what most people would see when they view a flock of seagulls. But then he takes us right into the lone seagull ripping through the wind learning how to fly with accuracy and precision. But this story is way more than than.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost right away, as the reader, you can glean the message Richard Bach is going for.<\/span>
\nNot only does Jonathan love to fly, he had pushes himself to new limits by experimenting with flight. Not everyone will understand what your passion is. Not everyone will understand the need to push yourself through challenges and to new opportunities.<\/span>
\nNot everyone will be comfortable with leaving their comfort zone. Some people are just destined to split off from the norm and challenge themselves.<\/span>
\nJonathan was praised for flying so passionately, claiming he could do so unlike any other seagull in history.<\/span><\/p>\n

The book\u2019s portrayal of going after what you love, even if it means leaving behind people who don\u2019t understand, it\u2019s an important message. I think many people can relate to this, especially those who would like to follow their passion but are afraid they might be judged by others. This book is about pushing through the norm even when everyone tells you not to. It\u2019s about finding what lights you up and showing it to the world. It\u2019s about finding your gift, accepting it, and sharing it with others.<\/span>
\nJonathan Livingston Seagull is a story about reaching your heaven, which isn\u2019t a time or place, but a state of mind within yourself. A realization that you, in your own being, are perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJonathan Livingston Seagull\u201d serves as a reminder that our lives are not defined by societal norms, and we can break free from limitations to pursue our passions and dreams. It encourages us to embrace our individuality, practice resilience, and recognize the boundless potential within us. Ultimately, it inspires us to seek personal growth, self-discovery, and a life driven by purpose and passion.<\/span><\/p>\n

i. Pursuit of Passion<\/span><\/p>\n

Jonathan\u2019s unwavering passion for flying, rather than mere survival, encourages us to follow our passions and dreams, even if they diverge from societal norms.<\/span><\/p>\n

ii. Resilience and Perseverance<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

iii. Individuality<\/span><\/p>\n

Jonathan\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

iv. Limitless Potential<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

v. Self-Discovery<\/span><\/p>\n

Jonathan\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

vi. Risk-Taking<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

vii. Spiritual and Philosophical Reflection<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJonathan Livingston Seagull\u201d delves into spiritual and philosophical themes, making readers contemplate deeper questions about life\u2019s purpose and the pursuit of meaning.<\/span><\/p>\n

viii. Mentorship and Learning<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

ix. Inspiration for Others<\/span><\/p>\n

Jonathan\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

x. Freedom and Independence<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This book is a driving power for us to be resilience and be determined to do whatever we want without listening to negativity of other people.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHe spoke of very simple things- that 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 or limitation in any form.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSet aside,\u201d came a voice from the multitude, \u201ceven if it be the Law of the Flock?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“The only true law is that which leads to freedom,” Jonathan said. “There is no other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Jon, why?\u201d his mother asked. \u201cWhy is it so hard to be like the rest of the flock, Jon? Why can’t you leave low flying to the pelicans, the alhatross? Why don’t you eat? Son, you’re bone and feathers!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo 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!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of our drab slogging forth and back to the fishing boats, there’s reason to live!<\/span>
\nWe 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!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The book is well stated<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The book contain daily exercise<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s well covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.<\/span><\/strong>
\nA. How interesting was it to read? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nB. How helpful were the contents? 10<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nC. How easy was it to understand? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nD. Would you recommend it to others? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nE. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10<\/strong><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a Man Thinketh Assessment by Mercy Mwende (Kenya) 1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book? \u201cThis little volume (the result of meditation and experience) is not intended as an exhaustive Read More …<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5856","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5856"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5856\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5860,"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5856\/revisions\/5860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-leadership.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}