As A Man Thinketh Book Summary - As A Man Thinketh Book explained in key points
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As A Man Thinketh summary

The classic text that proves the power of positive thinking

4.2 (451 ratings)
8 mins

Brief summary

'As A Man Thinketh' by James Allen is a classic self-help book that emphasizes the power of thought in shaping one's life. It inspires readers to take control of their thoughts, and in turn, take control of their destiny.

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    As A Man Thinketh
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    By mastering our thoughts, we can change our lives.  

    Ever sat and wondered what makes us humans what we are? It’s a puzzling question, so here’s a clue to start you off: man is the sum of his thoughts.

    Just as a plant sprouts from a tiny seed, each action we perform is an outgrowth of our thoughts. From these actions, patterns emerge. In turn, these patterns come to constitute our character. Our character or personality begins with our thoughts. But why is this important?

    Well, have you ever known someone who always seemed to give up on projects or relationships, and at the same time had a pretty pessimistic attitude? You guessed it: those two things – attitude and action – are closely related. Underachievers tend to disappoint themselves because they think very little of themselves to begin with. Attitude problems often snowball and have severe consequences. Yet, there’s a very simple solution.

    If our thoughts shape our character, it’s only logical that changing our thoughts will change our character, too. By changing the nature of their thoughts, pessimistic people might find that they have a bit more to smile about.

    Anyone who attempts to master his thoughts can do much more than eliminate negative character traits. By working on his thoughts the right way, an individual can even obtain what the author refers to as Divine Perfection. In other words, by weeding out bad or useless thoughts, a person can bring joy, strength, peace and wisdom to his life.

    Those are some pretty attractive benefits! So why not start mastering your thoughts today? The alternative, after all, isn’t pretty. Unmanaged thoughts can make you into your biggest obstacle; negative attitudes literally have the power to destroy the things you cherish and love.

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    What is As A Man Thinketh about?

    As a Man Thinketh (1903) captures the philosophy of James Allen. These blinks reveal the power that thoughts have over our personalities, our circumstances and our well-being. We discover the benefits of learning to master our minds and direct our thoughts toward the goals we want to achieve.

    As A Man Thinketh Review

    As A Man Thinketh (1902) is a thought-provoking exploration of the power of our thoughts and the impact they have on our lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its profound insights on the relationship between thoughts and actions, it provides a powerful framework for personal growth and self-improvement.
    • The book emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in creating the life we desire, highlighting the potential we have to shape our own destinies.
    • Through its concise and impactful messages, the book keeps readers engaged and motivated, ensuring that it is anything but boring.

    Best quote from As A Man Thinketh

    As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

    —James Allen
    example alt text

    Who should read As A Man Thinketh?

    • Readers interested in the beginnings of self-help literature
    • Individuals looking to improve their lives with advice that’s stood the test of time
    • Everyone who loves gleaning new insights from a classic

    About the Author

    James Allen (1864–1912) was a British author best known for his theories about the power of thought. His most famous work, As a Man Thinketh, has inspired generations of self-help writers.

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    As A Man Thinketh FAQs 

    What is the main message of As A Man Thinketh?

    The main message of As A Man Thinketh is that our thoughts shape our reality.

    How long does it take to read As A Man Thinketh?

    The reading time for As A Man Thinketh depends on the reader, but it can be read in a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is As A Man Thinketh a good book? Is it worth reading?

    As A Man Thinketh is a worthwhile read that explores the power of our thoughts and their impact on our lives.

    Who is the author of As A Man Thinketh?

    James Allen is the author of As A Man Thinketh.

    What to read after As A Man Thinketh?

    If you're wondering what to read next after As A Man Thinketh, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles
    • Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche
    • Great Thinkers by The School of Life
    • Zero to One by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters
    • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
    • Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook by Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill