As a Man Thinketh - Deepstash
As a Man Thinketh

Scott Campbell's Key Ideas from As a Man Thinketh
by James Allen

Ideas, facts & insights covering these topics:

10 ideas

ยท

2.97K reads

14

Explore the World's Best Ideas

Join today and uncover 100+ curated journeys from 50+ topics. Unlock access to our mobile app with extensive features.

The Power of Thought

Allen introduces the idea that our thoughts shape our character, actions, and destiny. He argues that we become what we think about most, and our external circumstances are reflections of our inner mindset. To change your life, you must first change your thinking.

โ€œA man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.โ€ This concept highlights the foundational role of thought in creating our reality.

47

454 reads

Thoughts and Circumstances

Allen emphasizes that our outer world mirrors our inner world. Positive thoughts lead to favorable circumstances, while negative thoughts result in challenges and obstacles.

  • โ€œGood thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.โ€
  • By cultivating constructive thinking, we can improve our external conditions.

42

383 reads

The Effect of Thought on Character

Character is not fixed; it evolves based on our habitual thoughts. Allen explains that repeated thinking shapes habits, which in turn define character. For example, cultivating kindness and self-discipline begins with consistent, intentional thoughts aligned with these values.

  • โ€œMen do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.โ€
  • To improve your character, start by observing and refining your thought patterns.

38

329 reads

Mastering Your Mind

The mind is like a garden, Allen explains: it will either grow weeds or flowers depending on how itโ€™s tended. To master your mind, you must consciously plant positive, uplifting thoughts and remove negative ones.

  • โ€œThe soul attracts that which it secretly harbors.โ€
  • Regularly โ€œweedโ€ your mental garden by replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones.

39

309 reads

The Link Between Thought and Health

  • Allen connects mental health with physical well-being, suggesting that thoughts of stress, worry, and resentment can manifest as illness.
  • Conversely, thoughts of peace and joy promote health and vitality.
  • โ€œThe body is the servant of the mind.โ€

38

294 reads

Thoughts and Achievement

Great achievements arise from focused and persistent thinking. Allen explains that dreams become reality when combined with disciplined thought and unwavering purpose.

  • โ€œYou will become as great as your dominant aspiration.โ€
  • Success requires aligning your thoughts with your goals and consistently working toward them.

38

261 reads

The Role of Purpose

Having a clear purpose is essential to channeling your thoughts and energy effectively. Allen suggests that drifting without direction leads to confusion and failure, while a focused mind paves the way for accomplishment.

  • โ€œA man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it.โ€
  • Purpose-driven thinking creates clarity and fosters resilience.

37

252 reads

The Balance of Thoughts and Desires

Allen warns against desires that are purely materialistic or selfish, as they often lead to dissatisfaction. Instead, he advocates for aligning thoughts and desires with higher values like integrity, generosity, and self-improvement. This alignment fosters lasting fulfillment and peace.

35

245 reads

Vision and Ideals

A manโ€™s ideals are the seeds of his future achievements. Allen urges readers to cultivate lofty visions and stay true to their principles. He notes that ideals inspire action and provide a moral compass for lifeโ€™s decisions.

  • โ€œDream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.โ€
  • Hold onto your vision despite challenges; it is the blueprint for your future.

38

227 reads

Serenity as the Ultimate Goal

Allen concludes by emphasizing serenity as the pinnacle of mental mastery. A calm mind reflects inner peace, which can only be achieved through disciplined thinking and emotional balance.

  • โ€œCalmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.โ€
  • Cultivate serenity by letting go of worry, fear, and anger, and focusing on gratitude and acceptance.

40

220 reads

IDEAS CURATED BY

Curious about different takes? Check out our As a Man Thinketh Summary book page to explore multiple unique summaries written by Deepstash users.

Different Perspectives Curated by Others from As a Man Thinketh

Curious about different takes? Check out our book page to explore multiple unique summaries written by Deepstash curators:

Read & Learn

20x Faster

without
deepstash

with
deepstash

with

deepstash

Personalized microlearning

โ€”

100+ Learning Journeys

โ€”

Access to 200,000+ ideas

โ€”

Access to the mobile app

โ€”

Unlimited idea saving

โ€”

โ€”

Unlimited history

โ€”

โ€”

Unlimited listening to ideas

โ€”

โ€”

Downloading & offline access

โ€”

โ€”

Supercharge your mind with one idea per day

Enter your email and spend 1 minute every day to learn something new.

Email

I agree to receive email updates