Thursday, November 03, 2005
Featured Book: AS A MAN THINKETH
As A Man Thinketh
By James Allen
By James Allen
What makes life difficult throughout the history of mankind is that we are born without a manual. As we struggle to follow our bliss; to fulfill our inner longings that will consequently define our life, we find ourselves at a certain crossroad: whether or not to transcend our comfort zone – family and culture – that once nurtured us. Thus, begins what Joseph Campbell would refer to as the hero’s journey.
From teenage angst to mid-life reevaluations, for the most part, we cope with personal issues alone. Regardless of our basic support system comprised of family and friends; despite of their well-meaning intentions, suggestions and recommendations, we often base our decisions on the set of thoughts and core beliefs that we alone ascertain for ourselves.
As a Man Thinketh tells us that although we are powerless to change any person or condition that comes our way, we do, however, have the power to provide its meaning, as well as how and to what extent we will allow this person or condition to affect us. But then again, this book argues, most people and conditions that we attract into our life are equivalent experiences of the thoughts we harbor in our mind.
Long before the publication of this tiny book, many had already attested to the power of thoughts to manifest themselves; that our every uttered word and every action taken was preceded by our having thought about it first. Everything around us – from our cellphones (or mobiles, as they are now beginning to be referred to these days) to the cars we drive — all came from thought.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Emperor of Rome, A.D. 161-180, said, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts, therefore guard accordingly; and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue, and reasonable nature.”
James Allen, in this tiny book, also underscores our innate power to fill our mind with thoughts of what we want to experience in our life, as well as our power to filter out those we do not wish to experience.
He claims, “Of all the beautiful truths pertaining to the soul which have been restored and brought to light in this age, none is more gladdening or fruitful of divine promise and confidence than this – that man is the master of thought, the moulder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.”
In essence, we actively participate in creating our destiny through the thoughts we often find ourselves thinking a lot about.
This is a wonderful book that reminds us about a simple truth: we are what we think.
Labels: Featured book
posted by Señor Enrique at 6:19 AM
2 Comments:
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said... I love this book, and ilove your blog
Ardyanto Yudiwibowo-
Señor Enrique said... Thank you, Ardyanto. I'm glad you enjoy both the book and this blog.
By the way, thank you also for sharing the site to download the book:
http://az09-ebook.blogspot.com/2008/06/free-ebook-download-as-man-thinketh-by.html
Cheers!
