As a Man Thinketh
Assessment by Yosif Elobeid (Morocco)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to communicate in this book?
The central idea of As a Man Thinking is that thoughts are the foundation of character, behavior, and life outcomes. James Allen emphasizes that individuals are not victims of fate or circumstance, but active creators of their reality through habitual thinking. According to the author, external conditions reflect internal mental states, and lasting change begins in the mind.
What impacted me most is the book’s insistence on personal responsibility. Allen does not allow room for blame or excuses. He presents the mind as both the cause of suffering and the key to transformation. Success, peace, and fulfillment depend on disciplined thinking and moral clarity.
2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal examples from your own life.
i. Thoughts shape character
This helped me recognize how long-term thinking patterns influenced my confidence and decisions.
ii. Circumstances reflect inner states
Instead of blaming situations, I learned to examine my mindset first.
iii. Self-discipline leads to empowerment
Discipline was reframed as a form of self-respect rather than limitation.
iv. Purpose provides direction
Clear purpose prevents wasted effort and emotional confusion.
v. Integrity creates lasting success
This idea reminded me that success without ethics leads to inner conflict.
vi. Vision precedes achievement
Every accomplishment begins as a mental image, reinforcing the power of intention.
vii. Serenity is true strength
Calmness under pressure became my personal measure of maturity and growth.
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?
Practically, this book encourages daily awareness of my thoughts. By choosing constructive thinking, I can improve leadership, relationships, and emotional balance. On a broader level, individuals who take responsibility for their inner world contribute to healthier, more accountable societies.
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.
“As a man thinking in his heart, so is he.”
This quote captures the essence of the book and constantly reminds me that identity begins internally.
“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
This challenged me to focus on personal growth rather than external pursuit.
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 book places strong emphasis on individual responsibility and does not deeply address social or systemic challenges. While empowering, this perspective may oversimplify complex realities.
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?
There were no formal exercises, but I applied the principles by consciously observing and correcting my thought patterns.
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.
Despite being written over a century ago, the book remains highly relevant, demonstrating the timeless nature of its principles. Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing my journey with IIGL and to receiving the Level One materials.
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 were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Assessment by Yosif Elobeid (Morocco)
1. What is the main idea the author is trying to communicate in this book?
The main idea Richard Bach communicates in Jonathan Livingston Seagull is that life is meant for growth, self-discovery, and reaching one’s highest potential rather than merely surviving or conforming to social expectations. Through the character of Jonathan, Bach illustrates the inner conflict faced by individuals who sense that their purpose goes beyond what is traditionally accepted by their community.
To me, the book is fundamentally about freedom—freedom of thought, freedom of identity, and freedom from fear. Jonathan’s passion for flying represents a deeper desire to understand himself and push beyond imposed limitations. The author emphasizes that perfection is not external approval or social status, but an internal realization of one’s capabilities and values.
Another key idea is that learning is a continuous process. Each level of mastery opens the door to another, and comfort often becomes the greatest barrier to growth. Finally, Bach introduces the responsibility that comes with growth: once an individual reaches a higher level of understanding, they are called to help others do the same, even if that help is misunderstood or rejected.
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. Life is more than survival
This idea resonated deeply with me because there were times in my life when my focus was limited to daily survival rather than meaningful growth. Jonathan reminded me that living without purpose slowly diminishes the human spirit.
ii. Growth may require standing alone
Jonathan’s exile helped me accept that choosing personal development can sometimes lead to isolation. I learned that being misunderstood is often part of transformation.
iii. Discipline creates freedom
Jonathan’s mastery came from disciplined practice. This reinforced my belief that real freedom is built through consistency and effort, not avoidance.
iv. Fear is learned, not permanent
The flock’s fear of change reflected how fear has shaped many of my past decisions. The book encouraged me to question fear instead of obeying it.
v. Failure is a necessary teacher
Jonathan’s repeated failures reminded me that mistakes are not evidence of weakness but part of learning and growth.
vi. True leadership is service
Jonathan’s return to teach others reshaped my understanding of leadership as responsibility rather than authority.
vii. Perfection exists in the present
The idea that perfection is “being there” helped me focus on presence and awareness rather than constant self-judgment.
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?
Practically, this book encourages me to evaluate success based on inner alignment rather than external validation. In daily life, I will apply discipline more intentionally and accept discomfort as part of progress. On a broader level, the message of compassionate leadership inspires me to support others who feel limited by fear or exclusion, contributing to more purpose-driven and empathetic communities.
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.
“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self.”
This quote affirmed the importance of authenticity and reminded me that self-acceptance is not selfish but necessary.
“One school is finished, another begun.”
This quote reminded me that growth never ends and that each achievement is simply a transition into deeper learning.
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?
At times, the idea of immediate spiritual mastery felt idealistic. Real growth often requires extended emotional and psychological effort. However, I understand that the book communicates symbolically rather than literally
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 include formal exercises, but I treated each chapter as a reflective exercise by examining my own beliefs and limitations during reading.
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 simplicity of the book is one of its greatest strengths, allowing readers from diverse cultural backgrounds to connect with its message.
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? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
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? 9