The Way of Peace

by James Allen

James Allen remains one of the bestselling and respected self-help authors ever. In The Way of Peace he show how peace begins within us and inevitably manifests in the physical realm. Using concepts incorporated into the Law of Attraction and The Secret, this classic book is an essential resource for anyone interested in vitality, creativity, a peaceful life, and a peaceful world.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, Inspirational

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1901

About the author

The 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".

Reviews

[Steven Walle · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[May Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful meditation about truth vs. the self. Allen discusses 5 things to consider during meditation which I write below in order to remember.

1. Love - even your enemies
2. Pity - compassion for all human beings in suffering
3. Joy - rejoice and share in the joy of those in the world experiencing it
4. Impurity - how those little things about the "self" and the need to immediate pleasure stop us from the truth
5. Sereniity - bring yourself above love & hate, tyranny and oppression, above everything toward truth

A very accessible, beautiful dreamy peace on exploring truth in the philosophical sense.

[David Teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books pertaining to the spiritual feel like overly soft pillows, you sink into them with little struggle and then find yourself being smothered. This is definitely not one of those. Hard-hitting, at times searing in its intensity, Mr. Allen is not above calling humanity out for its seeming dedication to wanton destruction in pursuit of ego-based existence. The prescription is meditation and the "removal" of the individual ego for that of a cosmic one. Given I already don't believe in the existence of a transcendental ego, this was initially easy to swallow, but the affirmations of ego-self's continuing existence in the behavior of judgment, anger and lack of love sent me tumbling back to the truth of a reality in which the individual is still lauded above that of the community. There is hope and surety in our continued quest for acknowledging the enlightenment that already exists within us and here is where the beauty of the written word is shown in all its glory by Mr. Allen as he exhorts us to not wallow in despair but rise up in full understanding of connection to a reality which connects us all.

[Abdulaziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the smallest drop of water detached from the ocean contains all the qualities of the ocean, so man, detached in consciousness from the Infinite, contains within him its likeness; and as the drop of water must, by the law of its nature, ultimately find its way back to the ocean and lose itself in its silent depths, so must man, by the unfailing law of his nature, at last return to his source, and lose himself in the great ocean of the Infinite.

[Desiree Finkbeiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allen describes the path to peace as one of becoming one with others with love by abstaining from self-seeking. Are you willing to deny yourself? Self is the denial of truth, truth is the denial of self. In other words, those who cling to selfishness simply cannot find peace because peace does not come from singling oneself out from other. It comes from realizing a universal unity with others. One's perspective will always be colored with the tint of one's personal opinions. Many weak and ignorant people think themselves to be 'right', thus making others about them 'wrong'. This is not so. We are all a part of one eternal consciousness. There is but ONE truth- so to be caught up in the vanity of the self is to deny the truth. One cannot love another who esteems his brother to be 'wrong'. These divisions cripple love and make way for folly and contention. The evidence of a selfish and darkened man is one who seeks to elevate himself above another. How wretched and delusional the man who judges another man based on his own bias and lack of understanding. Truth is simple. Truth is love. Truth is peace. Christ taught these things. Allen presents them in beautiful language. 5 stars.

[Powell Omondi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a spirituality book, I loved the first chapters of finding the inner peace, elevating the mind to the higher realms of spirituality and being contented.

Not a very good read, got bored along the way, comparing with Allen's book this was below expectation

[Nikky3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't help but hear my old young self debating with this book and me over how it was so wrong. You CAN have peace without guilt, fight, pain, their is no sin in striving for love. Peace can come if you will just stop fighting about who is right about what is truth.

[Nuzhat · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read it during quiet hours of night/morning, the book is certain to arouse some transcendental feelings...

[Nai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, another James Allen keeper.
WARNING: If your not ready for this book, put it down, don't check this book off your list for the sake of "going through books", this ones a real experience. I will tell you this much, I LOVE this book with all my heart because it was reveled to me at a VERY precise moment, it was a very sensitive yet uplifting time for me. It was a breakthrough time and the book supported me in the process. All my thoughts were aligned with the book so each page seemed to mimic my own thoughts it was as though I was writing the book myself! I know that's why it felt God Sent. Also, I am not Christian, this book touches upon a lot of religious beliefs, if your the type to find religion overbearing or get uncomfortable with blunt, straight to the point, cut throat words & accountability this isn't for you. The substance will surely unfold unto you with each page turned but the concept will be personal for you. Enjoy! This belongs on my shelf, always.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure someone recommended this book to me a long time ago, and I had thought it would be a book about living at peace with other people. It's not, or at least not really. It's basically a book of Buddhist philosophy. If it were just a book on Buddhist philosophy, I might have found it interesting. It's not. It's a self-help book that relies on Buddhist philosophy but attempts to subtly shape Christianity into Buddhism. I've given it up as being worthless, disgusting, and either ignorant or deeptive

[Arvind Balasubramaniam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly powerful book for those chasing the way of Truth. Combines wisdom from the Buddha, Krishna and Jesus Christ and preaches a tolerant way of looking at the world. Many of the teaching were similar to Ramana Maharshi who talked about reaching the Self and the eternal bliss that exists under the substrate of the material dimension, which only a being who has vanquished his enemy, surprisingly, his own self, can experience and abide in.

[Sassy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic, beautiful, and an eternally poignant message. A meditative philosophy centered on seeking Divine Love by conquering one's corrupt, sinful self. Selflessness and peace is the goal of this life and to partake in the immortal spiritual light of God. Strength is quiet contemplation, patient repose, gentle response, and contentment with tides of humanity. All is meant to be.

[Deb Hendry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the message- found the text lacking in a flow that made it enjoyable to read.

[Sotiris Makrygiannis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this a Christian book? probably. Argumentation is used to understand the Selfness of Christ. Good bits of advice and suggestions. An easy book that makes you think, what are you life principles?

[#DÏ4B7Ø Chinnamasta-Bhairav]

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--- :}|{:-:}|{:- * FOLLOW 4 FOLLOW * -:}|{:-:}|{: ---{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--------:}|{:-:}|{:- * LINKS * -:}|{:-:}|{:----------{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
***********************************************

~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~
* -} The James Allen Free Library {- *
~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~

* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *

* -:}|{}|{:- <3 THE LINK ABOVE IS ON THE GOODREADS PAGE OF THE AUTHOR ALSO = INVOLVES ALL OF THE AUTHORS WORK <3 -:}|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{}|{:- * SUMMARY * -:}|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{:- * RATING * -:}|{:- * /10 * -:}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{}|{: =EXPERIENCES=&=DISCERNMENTS= :}|{}|{:- *

* -:}|{}|{: = ? = }|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~

Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”

Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind

A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

[Mark David Vinzens · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As the smallest drop of water detached from the ocean contains all the qualities of the ocean, so man, detached in consciousness from the infinite, contains within him its likeness; and as the drop of water must, by the law of its nature, ultimately find its way back to the ocean and lose itself in its silent depths, so must man, by the unfailing law of his nature, at last return to his source, and lose himself in the great ocean of the infinite.”

― James Allen, The Way of Peace

[Richard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Allen takes true principles and runs in sophomoric circles, and contradicts himself several times. Allen calls for his readers to find truth, but never defines what truth is; calls for us to be virtuous, but never establishes what is virtuous. At the same time, he calls for to obey law, which he defined as the truth, but again nothing is ever defined as truth.

In his sophistry, he claims that sin can never disturb our inner peace. Pardon me, James Allen: "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." (Isaiah 48:22)

[sheena ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

the first book that i’ll review on goodreads. this is honestly such a good book if you’re looking through your way of peace. to summarize what he have said here, if you want to be positive, then surround yourself to positive things & meditate yourself through positivity. but if you don’t, it goes otherwise. you make your own persona so this really helped me a lot & made me realized a lot of things about our pursuit of peace.

[Vlad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get harmony in the cosmic order

Meditate to get the right energy of purpose within

As so free of sin is a development in the mind preventing the impulsive desire

Only a reflective and serious mind can a man progress from the impulsive pleasure.

Distinct yourself from good and bad actions.

Control the tongue wich is a disapble of speechwith that you control you're mind, as the man wil make his tongue losely wich wil lose control. Study how to speak wisely and well and become wisely

[Amr Nabil · Rating 4 out of 5]

" "


A very good book, although, it needed some actionable steps to begin to walk in that holy path and effective methods to let go of worldly desires and sins of self, and to stay unchanged in regards to spirituality and holiness over time.

[Alhusain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Besides the first chapter about the power of meditations, which is the only good thing in the book, I found this book almost reads like the mumblings of a madman. Ignorant, vague, boring, repititve, dismissive and not worthy of my time. Talk about gaslighting!

Read The dark interval by Rilke, that is a book about peace for you.

[Amr Nabil · Rating 4 out of 5]

" "


A very good book, although, it needed some actionable steps to begin to walk in that holy path and effective methods to let go of worldly desires and sins of self, and to stay unchanged in regards to spirituality and holiness over time.

[Mark Holencik · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Allen gives you a lot to think about. His books are not long, but they will take a lifetime to accomplish. Yet you get the benefits within days of implementing his way to peace.

[Joseph B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with practical applications for daily living. Especially appreciated the chapter on the precepts.

[Ankita Shah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too deep. Tough to understand!

Even though this was one of the recommended reads, It took me ages to finish just because I couldn't connect with the theme and the writing style.

[حمده الشامسية · Rating 4 out of 5]

The style of writing was difficult to follow for me since English is not my first language. But the book is a must read on meditation.

[Alexander Debelov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but not great. Found a lot of concepts redundant in nature

[George Araman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful reminder on how to live a more peaceful and loving life.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic read, basically a new age teaching with prosperity theme. This book more on meditation side.

[Srinivasan Nanduri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gold read after my earlier and first read ‘As a man thinketh’ from James Allen.