As You Think: Second Edition

In 1904 a little book was written called As a Man Thinketh. This book is a rewriting of that classic by the grandson of the original author. It is not just a self-help book, a self-empowerment, but a truth that will grip your heart. Each of us has tracks that we play in our minds, things spoken over us in our youth, by parents, teachers, coaches and friends. We have believed these things and lived by them. This book reminds us that what we believe in our minds and hearts will live out in our flesh. It will help us understand that all we achieve or fail to achieve is first a perception in our minds.

It is an inspirational, wonderful book that makes you want to jump out of bed every day and think positive thoughts and do good deeds....it is an easy read that is packed with incredible wisdom. Takes twenty minutes to read and you will want to read it every day for the rest of your life!

This is the most awesome cassette. I had read the book. But this audio cassette is wonderful to listen to in the car during your commute, or in the house while cleaning etc. I listened to it every day for over a month and my life was transformed. I continue to listen to it from time time to keep me on the right track. Mr Allens voice is also soothing and powerful. The writing is poignant and beautiful. Enjoy. Your life can only get better and better.

That quote is from Denis Waitley's "The New Dynamics of Winning" but it well captures the theme of this book. This book is about the power of one's own thoughts, the thoughts that we truly hold about what is possible, who we are, at the deepest level of our beings, to make themselves come true. The book is divided into seven chapters, "Thought and Character", "The Effect of Thought on Circumstances", "The Effect of Thought on Healthy and the Body", "Thought and Purpose", "Thought as a Factor in Achievement", "Visions and Ideals" and "Serenity". In chapter 1, Allen writes, "(you) contain within yourself that transforming and regenerative agency by which you may make yourself what you will" (pg 25). One shapes one's own character by the controlled application of thought, will and action. In chapter 2, "...the outer conditions of your life will always be found to be harmoniously related to your inner state" (pg 32). People who love themselves, attract love from others; people who believe they can be sucessful end up causing their belief to come true and being sucessful. Skipping ahead to chapter 7, he writes that serenity is the effect of "see(ing) more and more clearly the internal relations of things by the action of cause and effect, we cease to fuss and fume and worry and grieve, and remain poised, steadfast, serene" (pg 85). When we come to realize that everything we want or fear has certain causes and that to a great extent we have control over those causes, we ceased to be frazzled by external circumstances because we sense a tremendous locus of power within our ownselves to shape our lives, to be the cause of those effects we desire and to stop being the cause of those effects that cause us suffering. A great book that probably requires some unpacking by the reader given that it is so concise. Highly recommended.

James Allen's work titled As a Man Thinketh/As You Think is a "classic" in the truest sense of the word. Unfortunately, these days the word "classic" is an often overused descriptive used by marketers to elevate a piece of work for profit. However, in the case of Allen and his writings, it is quite a different story and a fitting word. It is no exaggeration to suggest that his writings are on par with such notables as the Buddah, Confucious, Laozi, Mohammed, and Jesus. When looking at the state of the world, it is no wonder that Allen and his writings are a virtual unknown. Today it is in vogue to blames others, play the victim, and scream foul. Allen teaches personal responsibility for one's life, the laws of cause and effect, and how one can harness true personal power. He will teach the seeker that they are the master of their own fate. The root of all problems lies within the mind. There are no slaves in this world. There are only oppressors. Allen speaks directly to the reader. This is not for the faint of heart. If one is looking for excuses then look elsewhere. Allen's work is more than a century old yet it needs to be heeded now more than ever. Anthony Robbins, Norman Peale and all the other "gurus" of the time move aside. Do not waste valuable time and money on these and others' self-help tapes, books and motivational seminars. If one is earnest in their desire to learn from Allen's works then cost should not be a factor. His work can be found in public libraries, bookstores and can even be viewed for free on certain web sites. Whether one is a Christian, a Jew, a Buddhist, a Muslim, an Atheist, rich, poor, black, white, yellow and/or brown, Allen's writings need to be heard and read.