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The Wisdom of James Allen: 5 Classic Works
James Allen's classic bestseller, As a Man Thinketh, combined with four of his other The Path to Prosperity, The Mastery of Destiny, The Way of Peace, and Entering the Kingdom.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1996
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About the author
James Allen
1,974 books1,230 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
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April 16, 2007Wisdom you can apply everyday. Excellent reminders about the power of your mind. I keep posted Allen's 7 Rules to Train the Will: (1) Break off bad habits, (2) Form good habits; (3) Give scrupulous attention to the duty of the present moment, (4) Do vigourously and at once whatever has to be done, (5) Live by the rule, (6) Control the tongue, (7) Control the mind.
A good resource book to keep close and to keep re-reading.
A good resource book to keep close and to keep re-reading.
February 14, 2010
Some years ago when I played soccer for a living I had moments of weakness and low self-belief. I remember I came across this book totally by chance in a road trip to Rochester, NY. It was destiny! Which is funny because that is one of the central themes in the book: 1. You are the shaper of your own destiny. 2. Fear is your worst enemy. 3. Your thoughts shape your life. "The wisdom of James Allen" was always my "go to book" when things were not going well on the soccer field or whenever I needed enlightenment or clarity of thought. There many ideas in this book that today I do not subscribe to. However, this book is an easy read and a great book for anyone in search of a "confidence booster" or a reason "to get off the couch" and shape his own destiny.
August 22, 2020
I found this read fantastic.
Though judging by the title I had expected an outdated approach, it turned out to be transcendent of time, marrying practical life-advice to spiritual needs. It’s the best how-to on metacognition and use of the mind that I’ve come across. We all are familiar with the words concentration, meditation, and responsibility, but how do these correlate with our well-being and happiness? Allen provides all of the laws that can empower you when followed, both in terms of skills as well as spiritually. He makes it all inspiring and enjoyable, rather than something we have to do. When you see how every little task is actually bettering you, you are more willing to dedicate yourself to it’s perfection. I enjoyed “Master if Destiny” more than “As a Man Thinketh”
Though judging by the title I had expected an outdated approach, it turned out to be transcendent of time, marrying practical life-advice to spiritual needs. It’s the best how-to on metacognition and use of the mind that I’ve come across. We all are familiar with the words concentration, meditation, and responsibility, but how do these correlate with our well-being and happiness? Allen provides all of the laws that can empower you when followed, both in terms of skills as well as spiritually. He makes it all inspiring and enjoyable, rather than something we have to do. When you see how every little task is actually bettering you, you are more willing to dedicate yourself to it’s perfection. I enjoyed “Master if Destiny” more than “As a Man Thinketh”
May 14, 2008
I READ THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS AT MY LOWEST.
THIS BOOK WAS SO POWERFUL TO ME THAT I READ IT AGAIN IMMEDIATELY.
IT HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND THAT I NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPENS IN MY LIFE.
MY CIRCUMSTANCES ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF MY THOUGHTS!!!!
I HAVE GIVEN THIS BOOK TO ALL MY FRIENDS!!!
~MaRi
THIS BOOK WAS SO POWERFUL TO ME THAT I READ IT AGAIN IMMEDIATELY.
IT HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND THAT I NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPENS IN MY LIFE.
MY CIRCUMSTANCES ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF MY THOUGHTS!!!!
I HAVE GIVEN THIS BOOK TO ALL MY FRIENDS!!!
~MaRi
January 23, 2020
This book is about the power of positive thinking. If you can learn to think positively, practice self control and calmness, live with compassion, love and kindness; all that you need to fulfill your life will follow.
“Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power.”
“Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power.”
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April 26, 2008 I only read As a man thinketh but they didn't have it seperate here. This sounds good though I need to read the other's in this set
August 11, 2009
This author is amazing! He was way ahead of his time - and definitely enlightened. There are so many powerful concepts put so eloquently, I felt like it was food for the soul!
March 11, 2023
"That exquisite poise of "character we call Serenity,
is the fruitage of the Soul, it is the flowering of life,
more precious than gold, yea than even fine Gold " James Allen
"All that we are arises with our thoughts,
if a man endure in purity of thought, Joy will follow him as surely as his own shadow, unshakeable" James Allen
"A serene and happy countenance is the ripened fruit of experience " James Allen
"Let him put away his sickly, bitter, and impure thoughts "
is the fruitage of the Soul, it is the flowering of life,
more precious than gold, yea than even fine Gold " James Allen
"All that we are arises with our thoughts,
if a man endure in purity of thought, Joy will follow him as surely as his own shadow, unshakeable" James Allen
"A serene and happy countenance is the ripened fruit of experience " James Allen
"Let him put away his sickly, bitter, and impure thoughts "
October 30, 2021
Short, yet full of wisdom.
April 7, 2021
My mom gave me this book in 1983 after graduating from NC State University. I have bought over 20 copies of this book to give recent college graduates. I also but the "revised" version of As a Woman Thinketh for the ladies. If someone does a genderless version ... I'm totally down with the concept. From direct experience, you reap what you sow ... it might actually be biblical. In my early 20s this book started me thinking about being "intentional" and building "brain discipline" to encourage positive thoughts and resulting consequences. It's a very good and quick read. Tony McLean Brown author www.HappyGuidetoaShortLife.com
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews