James Allen (1864-1912) wrote this masterpiece in 1902 and created a new category of Self Help Literature. As A Man Thinketh, is masterpiece in very simple yet effective language. James Allen puts very strongly the concept that there is no difference between mind and matter. A concept which have been put numerous time since then by different Self Help authors in a number of books.
Born and brought up in Leicester (England), had to leave his education and look out for leaving due to failure of his father’s business and worked in manufacturing firm, before taking writing as full time profession, which produced 19 books. As A Man Thinketh is considered as his best work.
When I started reading this book, it seems like I have read it somewhere in one form or others and I realized how often this book has been the source of inspiration for many Self Help books. Every sentence, will remind you of some quote somewhere. Its surprising that James Allen does not enjoy the fame like other Self Help book authors who have become so high profile and famous. Though his book is acknowledged by numerous modern authors like Robin Sharma, Deepak Chopra etc. The one book which resembles his works most is The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. Though Peale become far more popular than James Allen.

The book has seven chapters viz.
•     Thought and Character
•     Effect of thought on character
•     Effects of thoughts on health and body
•     Thought and purpose
•     The thought factor in achievement
•     Visions and Ideals
•     Serenity
He has very aptly described the mind and matter connection, and how thoughts affects every aspect of life.
“ Man is mad or unmade by himself. In the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself.”
“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
Though I have read many books where the mind-matter connection has been discussed more subtly and on the basis of many scientific facts, but still James Allen conveys his message as effectively as any one. He also gives glimpse of Buddhist teaching of Right Thinking.
Talking about the circumstances, he reveal the now oft quoted line “Circumstances do not make us, they reveal us. .. Each set of circumstances however bad offers an unique opportunity for growth.”
Reading self help books has a completely different meaning for me, I am often amazed as the ability of these authors to put a simple idea in very forceful manner in simple words. Probably they cash on the human tendencies to grow and improve. But even for those, who does not like Self Help books it can be a good idea to go for the book and see what was there which initiated a whole genre.

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