Book SummaryAs A Man Thinketh, by James Allen

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of As A Man Thinketh

In the 1903 self-help classic, As a Man Thinketh, James Allen explores the power of thought. Great thinkers throughout history have echoed this philosophy that your thoughts influence your actions and shape your destiny. Put simply, you are what you think. Throughout the short book, Allen discusses the various ways that thoughts manifest in reality and how to direct your thoughts in order to create the life you want.

Allen (1864-1912) was an English poet and philosopher who’s now seen as one of the early voices in what would become the self-help movement. He wrote 19 books and published a spiritual magazine called The Light of Reason, which his wife Lily continued after his death as The Epoch. The title of this, his most famous work, comes from a Bible verse: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). In this guide, we’ll explore Allen’s thesis that your thoughts shape your inner and outer worlds, how to take control of them, and how doing so will bring you a life of purpose and inner peace.

Your Thoughts Shape Your Inner and Outer Worlds

Allen argues that your thoughts shape your character, your character shapes your actions, and your actions shape your circumstances. Put simply, you are what you think, both inside and out. Your thoughts mold both your inner world—your character and emotions—as well as your outer world—your circumstances and experiences.

It follows, then, that if generous and kind thoughts dominate your internal monologue, that will define your character. Negative thoughts bring misfortune, but positive thoughts lead to prosperity and fulfillment. That mindset then crystallizes into habits, and those habits produce your circumstances. In other words, you’re not the product of your circumstances so much as your circumstances are the product of your thinking.

Your Thoughts Impact Your Physical Health

Allen says that in addition to your mind and your circumstances, your thought patterns also dictate your health. Over time, your thoughts will even determine how your body ages. If you’re constantly anxious, the burden of carrying that anxiety wears down your body and makes you more susceptible to disease. If you maintain a pessimistic attitude, the wrinkles in your face will become a permanent scowl, and your internal health will reflect a lifetime of hardship.

By contrast, Allen suggests that positive thoughts and goodwill toward others will boost your physical health and lead to a smooth aging process. A happy outlook encourages you to maintain healthy habits, which reinforces your physical and mental strength, creating a positive feedback loop. For example, if your thoughts are healthy and positive, you will want to eat nutritious food, and you’ll naturally avoid unhealthy foods.

Learn From Circumstances—Don’t Judge Them

Though a person’s inner world creates outwardly visible effects in their life, Allen writes that a person’s circumstances don’t necessarily reflect the entirety of their character—they could be the manifestation of one particular part of it. As such, you can’t judge another person based on their circumstances: The conditions of another person’s life and the intricacies of their character are so complex that no one besides that person can truly know them.

For example, someone you view as morally corrupt can be rich—you simply may not know their good qualities, or you may be ignorant of their private health problems. Similarly, someone who seems good-hearted can face terrible circumstances; they might also have vices or less obvious blessings you might not know...

As A Man Thinketh Summary The Power of Thought

In this 1902 self-help classic, British philosophical writer James Allen explores the power of thought. Great thinkers throughout history have echoed this philosophy, which says that your thoughts influence your actions and shape your destiny. Throughout the short book, Allen discusses the various ways that thoughts manifest in reality, and how to direct your thoughts in order to create the life you want.

(Shortform note: The title of the book was inspired by the Bible verse, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he'' (Prov. 23: 7). The passage advises followers to be wary of the underlying thoughts, desires, and motivations of others, but Allen is using the verse to suggest readers examine their own inner thoughts.)

Allen became a published writer in the final decade of his life. In that time, he wrote 19 books and began publishing a spiritual magazine called The Light of Reason; after his death, his wife Lily continued to run the magazine, which was later renamed The Epoch. Allen was at the forefront of the self-help movement. His wife said that his writings reflected ideas that he had personally lived and strongly believed.

(Shortform note: For added clarity,...

Shortform Exercise: What Have You Learned From Your Hardships?

Reflect on the lessons you can take away from the challenges you face.

Describe one hardship that you’ve recently dealt with or are currently facing.

Shortform Exercise: Has Negative Thinking Made You Sick?

Reflect on how your thoughts have impacted your physical health.

Describe a recent instance when you were physically sick.

As A Man Thinketh Summary Take Control of Your Thoughts

People often struggle to change their circumstances, and all the while they never stop to address the root of the issue: their thoughts. When you understand the power of thought, you can become the master of yourself and your life. And, once you create momentum as you move your thoughts and your life in a particular direction—whether positive or negative—the world will help you along. For example, if you harbor negativity and spew hate, you’ll get bitterness and hostility from those around you. But, if you release your negative thoughts and become more emotionally open to the world, people will become more receptive to you, creating a virtuous cycle.

Reflect on your past experiences, and trace them back to the thoughts that led to those realities. Seeing how your thoughts have impacted your life in the past will help motivate you to change your thoughts going forward. In order to alter your thought pattern, commit to deep introspection as well as a constant, deliberate effort to be purposeful with your thoughts. Eventually, positive thinking will become habitual.

(Shortform note: To explore this idea further, [read our summary of Think and Grow...

Shortform Exercise: What Are Your Thoughts Creating?

Reflect on how your thoughts are shaping your life.

Describe one challenge you’re currently facing in your life.

Shortform Exercise: What Will Your Dreams Create?

Even the grandest realities start as dreams.

Describe a recent accomplishment that you’re proud of.