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As a Man Thinketh & from Poverty to Power
Seminal texts in the self-help genre, James Allen's From Poverty to Power and As a Man Thinketh resonate as deeply in their simple wisdom and inspiration as they did at their first publication over a century ago.
Unknown Binding
First published April 22, 2011
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About the author
James Allen
2,077 books1,253 followersThe James Allen Free Library
Allen was 15 when his father, a businessman, was robbed and murdered. He left school to work full-time in several British manufacturing firms to help support the family. He later married Lily L. Allen and became an executive secretary for a large company. At age 38, inspired by the writings of Leo Tolstoy, he retired from employment. Allen — along with his wife and their daughter, Nohra — moved to a small cottage in Ilfracombe, Devon, England to pursue a simple life of contemplation. There he wrote for nine years, producing 19 works. He also edited and published a magazine, "The Light of Reason".
Allen's books illustrate the use of the power of thought to increase personal capabilities. Although he never achieved great fame or wealth, his works continue to influence people around the world, including the New Thought movement.
Allen's most famous book, As a Man Thinketh, was published in 1902. It is now considered a classic self-help book. Its underlying premise is that noble thoughts make a noble person, while lowly thoughts make a miserable person.
Following his death in 1912, his wife continued publishing the magazine under the name, "The Epoch".
Allen was 15 when his father, a businessman, was robbed and murdered. He left school to work full-time in several British manufacturing firms to help support the family. He later married Lily L. Allen and became an executive secretary for a large company. At age 38, inspired by the writings of Leo Tolstoy, he retired from employment. Allen — along with his wife and their daughter, Nohra — moved to a small cottage in Ilfracombe, Devon, England to pursue a simple life of contemplation. There he wrote for nine years, producing 19 works. He also edited and published a magazine, "The Light of Reason".
Allen's books illustrate the use of the power of thought to increase personal capabilities. Although he never achieved great fame or wealth, his works continue to influence people around the world, including the New Thought movement.
Allen's most famous book, As a Man Thinketh, was published in 1902. It is now considered a classic self-help book. Its underlying premise is that noble thoughts make a noble person, while lowly thoughts make a miserable person.
Following his death in 1912, his wife continued publishing the magazine under the name, "The Epoch".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 16, 2011
"As a man thinketh", Allen insists that it is within the power of each person to form his own character and create his own happiness.
As Allen states, "a man is literally what he thinks", or as the saying goes, garbage in, garbage out! Or put another way, "All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts."
I have learned that I cannot blame others for my life, or my state of affairs - they are my creation, the end product of my thoughts and actions.
Allen states that man makes or unmakes himself by the thoughts he keeps and cultivates. Man is truly is his own worst enemy!
I really resonated to his quote on fear, "Thoughts of doubt and fear never accomplish anything, and never can."
As Allen states, "a man is literally what he thinks", or as the saying goes, garbage in, garbage out! Or put another way, "All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts."
I have learned that I cannot blame others for my life, or my state of affairs - they are my creation, the end product of my thoughts and actions.
Allen states that man makes or unmakes himself by the thoughts he keeps and cultivates. Man is truly is his own worst enemy!
I really resonated to his quote on fear, "Thoughts of doubt and fear never accomplish anything, and never can."
December 25, 2021
Buku self-help ini sudah cukup lama bertengger di rak lemari buku saya (bahkan sampai berdebu), karena saya kurang nyaman membaca hasil terjemahannya. Mungkin karena buku ini ditulis dengan bahasa Inggris di awal abad ke-20, sehingga hasil terjemahan yang mengikuti perkembangan bahasa masa kini tidak mampu menyepadankan beberapa kata, istilah, atau bahkan kalimat dari buku aslinya. Pun, terdapat beberapa diksi yang menurut saya lebih cocok digunakan pada buku-buku sastra dibandingkan pada buku dengan genre self-improvement (dengan mengingat alasan-alasan praktis dan kegunaan daripada buku self-improvement itu sendiri).
Secara substansial, buku ini cenderung lebih mengajak pembaca untuk mengubah pola pikirnya (jika saya boleh meminjam istilah yang digunakan dalam buku ini, "memurnikan"). Dalam buku ini, Allen menekankan bagaimana pikiran dapat membentuk tindakan, dan tindakan akan menghasilkan kesenangan atau penderitaan yang akan dialami, dan kemudian akan membentuk karakter seseorang. Oleh karenanya, dalam bab-bab yang tersaji, Allen menekankan pentingnya memiliki pemikiran yang baik dan murni, karena kita adalah apa yang kita pikirkan, kita adalah pembentuk dan penguasa diri sendiri. Tidak hanya itu, Allen juga memberikan penjelasan bagaimana kekuatan mental menjadi kunci utama bagi tiap manusia untuk merealisasikan kesuksesan, kebahagiaan, dan kemakmuran. Saya sendiri tidak menyadari betapa kering kerontang jiwa yang saya miliki, sampai akhirnya membaca buku ini.
Sayangnya, buku ini tidak menjelaskan secara rinci 'bagaimana' pola pikir tersebut harus diubah; hanya menekankan 'apa yang harus diubah' dan 'mengapa itu harus diubah'. Untuk itu, menurut saya buku ini akan lebih tepat jika dianggap sebagai pengingat bagi diri sendiri untuk terus memiliki pola pikir yang murni, dengan membacanya secara berkala (sebagaimana juga dianjurkan oleh Arthur R. Pell, Ph.D. yang memberikan kata pengantar pada buku ini).
Secara substansial, buku ini cenderung lebih mengajak pembaca untuk mengubah pola pikirnya (jika saya boleh meminjam istilah yang digunakan dalam buku ini, "memurnikan"). Dalam buku ini, Allen menekankan bagaimana pikiran dapat membentuk tindakan, dan tindakan akan menghasilkan kesenangan atau penderitaan yang akan dialami, dan kemudian akan membentuk karakter seseorang. Oleh karenanya, dalam bab-bab yang tersaji, Allen menekankan pentingnya memiliki pemikiran yang baik dan murni, karena kita adalah apa yang kita pikirkan, kita adalah pembentuk dan penguasa diri sendiri. Tidak hanya itu, Allen juga memberikan penjelasan bagaimana kekuatan mental menjadi kunci utama bagi tiap manusia untuk merealisasikan kesuksesan, kebahagiaan, dan kemakmuran. Saya sendiri tidak menyadari betapa kering kerontang jiwa yang saya miliki, sampai akhirnya membaca buku ini.
Sayangnya, buku ini tidak menjelaskan secara rinci 'bagaimana' pola pikir tersebut harus diubah; hanya menekankan 'apa yang harus diubah' dan 'mengapa itu harus diubah'. Untuk itu, menurut saya buku ini akan lebih tepat jika dianggap sebagai pengingat bagi diri sendiri untuk terus memiliki pola pikir yang murni, dengan membacanya secara berkala (sebagaimana juga dianjurkan oleh Arthur R. Pell, Ph.D. yang memberikan kata pengantar pada buku ini).
April 25, 2020
As a Man Thinketh (This book includes the bonus book From Poverty to Power) written by James Allen was published in 1903. Its more than 110 year old books and still highly relevant in today’s time. Both books are about impact of our thoughts on everything from who we are, what we do and what we have.
My Take away –
• All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
• Human mind likened to a garden, whether intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild, it must and will bring forth.
• Action is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruit.
• We don’t attract that which we want but that which we are.
• All of us are anxious to improve our circumstances but are unwilling to improve ourselves.
• It matters everything what we are within, for everything without will be mirrored and colored accordingly.
This is the book which has impacted my thought process in profound way and i have read it more than 4 times I keep reading this book at regular intervals to remind myself of lessons this book has to offer. Must read.
My Take away –
• All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
• Human mind likened to a garden, whether intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild, it must and will bring forth.
• Action is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruit.
• We don’t attract that which we want but that which we are.
• All of us are anxious to improve our circumstances but are unwilling to improve ourselves.
• It matters everything what we are within, for everything without will be mirrored and colored accordingly.
This is the book which has impacted my thought process in profound way and i have read it more than 4 times I keep reading this book at regular intervals to remind myself of lessons this book has to offer. Must read.
February 28, 2024
As A Man Thinketh was a perfectly written book in my opinion. The ideologies are still relevant and helpful in modern times and with an open mind and practice can help to influence your thoughts process to become a better/stronger version of you. Poverty to Power was good at times, and a miss at others. I think it's worth a second read since there were several times I found myself challenging how I am currently living my life and wanting to practice more of what the book had to say. The parts I struggled with, perhaps I missed what the author was trying to say. Overall, these books provide a great foundation to build upon and are worth the read.
May 31, 2025
I'd recommended this to anyone. I don't care who you are, it will change you if you meditate on this and follow it.
Character determines destiny. Actions shape character. Actions come from identity and emotions. And in first of identity and emotions comes thoughts.
It all starts from our thoughts. How often do we take time to look at and evaluate our thoughts?
Like clearing out junk mail, or choosing what foods we put into our body, let us intentionally choose what we allow into our minds
I pray for people to read this and look deeper. It will be revealed. It is simple once the clutter is ignored and you focus your thoughts.
God bless
Character determines destiny. Actions shape character. Actions come from identity and emotions. And in first of identity and emotions comes thoughts.
It all starts from our thoughts. How often do we take time to look at and evaluate our thoughts?
Like clearing out junk mail, or choosing what foods we put into our body, let us intentionally choose what we allow into our minds
I pray for people to read this and look deeper. It will be revealed. It is simple once the clutter is ignored and you focus your thoughts.
God bless
March 26, 2020
Was asked by a mentor to read this book 20 years ago. Finally did one reading iteration of the book. The gist of it is our mind is the gate to which our thoughts will be formulated if we guard our mind and feed it what is right, then right thoughts would blossom from the thoughts actions will come forth.
Will make it a habit to re-read this book at least once every year until I get everything there is to get from it.
Will make it a habit to re-read this book at least once every year until I get everything there is to get from it.
May 31, 2020
This book had some great anecdotes on how one’s thinking can influence your life in a myriad of ways. Whether it be peace, knowledge, or certain goals you seek, the narrative of how and what you think determine how your thoughts alone can dictate your perception of life experiences. My only downside to this book was the the context of some of the authors ideas were complex and difficult to understand at times.
October 30, 2025
This might have been one of my worst reads in a while.
James Allen makes the point that our thoughts create our "self" and environment but midway through tries to use this philosophy as a blanket reasoning for everything when that is very much not the case. Allen's mindset is rooted in the idea that there is a cosmic will that is just and always keeping the world in order but there is no proof that said cosmic will exists.
James Allen makes the point that our thoughts create our "self" and environment but midway through tries to use this philosophy as a blanket reasoning for everything when that is very much not the case. Allen's mindset is rooted in the idea that there is a cosmic will that is just and always keeping the world in order but there is no proof that said cosmic will exists.
July 22, 2022
Maybe 2.5
It’s the usual self-help shtick. You read one, you’ve read them all. It makes for a fun audiobook in the morning en route to work. This one has plus though, which is the author writes very beautifully and eloquently.
It’s the usual self-help shtick. You read one, you’ve read them all. It makes for a fun audiobook in the morning en route to work. This one has plus though, which is the author writes very beautifully and eloquently.
November 26, 2022
I highly recommend this little gem to anybody looking for wisdom on how to kickstart positive, forward momentum thinking, and to take personal responsibility over how to better react to wear and tear, while visiting trauma school earth.
August 13, 2017
5* book. You will find the theory of being wisdom person! It worth for reading 100++ times! In every time you will understand new things! RIP Mr James Allen!
April 14, 2021
Two books in one audio. First a discussion about the power of positive thinking, followed by a discussion of the benefits of leading a virtuous life.
May 10, 2021
Very Thought Provoking
Must Read And Must Buy
This Is A Keeper
A Book U Could Read Again And Again And Again
Must Read And Must Buy
This Is A Keeper
A Book U Could Read Again And Again And Again
September 13, 2022
Excellent preparation to be set free from limitations by thinking and becoming who you want to be.
September 24, 2022
Really enjoyed the "As a Man Thinketh" portion. The "From Poverty to Power" portion was less enjoyable.
October 30, 2022
excellent!
November 27, 2022
I finished my first book in God knows how long. I’m certain I’ve found the missing ingredient in my life now. The world is my oyster.
March 1, 2024
5 stars for “As a Man Thinketh”
4 stars for “From Poverty to Power”
4 stars for “From Poverty to Power”
March 20, 2024
A great read for self awareness!!
January 11, 2025
Quite good, but the last quarter just felt like it turned into a sermon so kinda unraveled.
January 19, 2026
As A Man Thinketh was great! The Bonus book from Power to Poverty was repetitive and redundant. Wouldn’t recommend it.
March 24, 2023
firstly I didn't realise that it was 2 books in a one. it was sooooo bad to made these 2 different books in to one because i really felt that they were contradictory. just a meh from me. you better read it as two different books.
December 21, 2010
Judul buku ini merupakan karya klasik yang masuk sebagai salah satu buku yang disebut dalam buku 50 Spiritual Classics karangan Tom Butler.
Mesji judul utamanya adalah As a man thinketh, buku ini adalah buku 2 in 1. Dua buku dalam satu buku. Buku pertama berjudul As a Man Thinketh (yang terbit pertama kali tahun 1902, merupakan buku keduanya) dan satu buku lagi berjudul From Peverty to Power (buku pertamanya yang terbit tahun 1901).
Jika Anda pernah membaca buku The Secret, buku ini saya berani pastikan sebagai salah satu buku juga yang menginspirasinya. Buku ini memberi ilustrasi bagaimana pikiran kita menciptakan dunia kita. Susah senang yang kita alami adalah hasil kerja (disadari atau tidak) pikiran. Di salah satu bagian buku ini juga membahas bagaimana Meditasi bisa membantu manusia menemukan dirinya dan menghadapi problematika kehidupan.
Jika pernah membaca The Secret atau buku-buku sejenis, membaca buku yang sudah diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Indonesia semenarik mungkin ini, kita akan sedikit membosankan. Maklum buku ini terbit pertama kali lebih dari 1 abad lalu.
Tapi di sini lain, karena tidak ruwet dan banyak pengulangan kata, ekspresi atau ungkapan yang sama di sana-sini, melahap buku ini bisa jadi lebihc cepat. Walalupun mungkin, akan lebih baik jika buku ini dibaca dalam keadaan tenang dan segar.
Mesji judul utamanya adalah As a man thinketh, buku ini adalah buku 2 in 1. Dua buku dalam satu buku. Buku pertama berjudul As a Man Thinketh (yang terbit pertama kali tahun 1902, merupakan buku keduanya) dan satu buku lagi berjudul From Peverty to Power (buku pertamanya yang terbit tahun 1901).
Jika Anda pernah membaca buku The Secret, buku ini saya berani pastikan sebagai salah satu buku juga yang menginspirasinya. Buku ini memberi ilustrasi bagaimana pikiran kita menciptakan dunia kita. Susah senang yang kita alami adalah hasil kerja (disadari atau tidak) pikiran. Di salah satu bagian buku ini juga membahas bagaimana Meditasi bisa membantu manusia menemukan dirinya dan menghadapi problematika kehidupan.
Jika pernah membaca The Secret atau buku-buku sejenis, membaca buku yang sudah diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Indonesia semenarik mungkin ini, kita akan sedikit membosankan. Maklum buku ini terbit pertama kali lebih dari 1 abad lalu.
Tapi di sini lain, karena tidak ruwet dan banyak pengulangan kata, ekspresi atau ungkapan yang sama di sana-sini, melahap buku ini bisa jadi lebihc cepat. Walalupun mungkin, akan lebih baik jika buku ini dibaca dalam keadaan tenang dan segar.
January 15, 2014
I am constantly rereading this book. It is my favorite book of all time with this quote especially standing out:
"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil... Your circumstances may be uncongenial but they shall not long remain if you but percieve an ideal and strive to reach it. You cannot travel within and stand still without."
"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil... Your circumstances may be uncongenial but they shall not long remain if you but percieve an ideal and strive to reach it. You cannot travel within and stand still without."
January 13, 2014
This isn't the exact edition I read, but this will have to do. I gave the book 4 stars because I really appreciate the power of love, and of optimistic thinking. I am always very sceptical of the universal claims made by most philosophers. If they have a valid train of thought, it seems that they almost always embellish those ideas to the point of salesmanship. Allen isn't unique here, but rather seems to fall into the norm. I think Mr. Allen's works are more accurately rated at 3 stars.
September 22, 2011
While I do have some disagreement about the concept of divinity and humanity, I completely agree with the overarching theme of responsibility and self-accountability. "You are what you will to be, what you wish to be, what you prefer to be." We alone are responsible for the success of our lives.
December 28, 2015
This book came highly recommended by Tony Robbins. The book reminds us about the power of thought in a similar way the books The Secret and Think & Grow Rich does. The book also provides a practical guide to using tools like meditations to change your mindset and improve your way of thinking. It's quick read filled with great reminders on the power of intention.
May 21, 2016
Amazing book, I don't say it lightly either.
There's far too many books that 'suggest' approaches, techniques, strategies that are supposed to supposedly do something. Maybe this and that, maybe act this way or that. Yet James Allen's approach eliminates the need of extraneous and pulls from your own thoughts which empowers your external actions.
Highly recommended
There's far too many books that 'suggest' approaches, techniques, strategies that are supposed to supposedly do something. Maybe this and that, maybe act this way or that. Yet James Allen's approach eliminates the need of extraneous and pulls from your own thoughts which empowers your external actions.
Highly recommended
December 10, 2010
kayak baca khotbah :(
December 24, 2011
Classic must read New Thought material.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews