James Allen was a wise writer, poet, and self-help pioneer. His book, As a Man Thinketh, is famous for its insight into human development and the human mind. Allen published a series of works in the early 1900s ranging from topics like peace and prosperity to turmoil and success. Here are a few bits of inspiration and advice on self-improvement straight from the man himself.
A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself.
For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?
Man is the master of thought, the moulder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.
All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is the direct result of your thoughts.
As the physically weak man can make himself strong by careful and patient training, so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking.
Aimlessness is a vice, and such drifting must not continue for him who would steer clear of catastrophe and destruction.
A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. And as he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts.
He who has conquered weakness, and has put away all selfish thoughts, belongs neither to oppressor nor oppressed. He is free.
Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armoury of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself; he also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace.
Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power.
Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance.
Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts inevitably bring about right results.
The outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state…Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.
Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control.
Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves.
Man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild.
Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction. It is an indication that the individual is out of harmony with himself.
For more quotes from this author, visit the Warren James Allen Page for a more extensive listing.