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"As A Man Thinketh."

James Allen is perhaps, the single most underrated inspirational writer of the last 100 years. Just ask around, and you'll find that most people have no idea who he was. Even in the metaphysical community, he is largely unknown. He's probably best known in the motivational community. Most motivational writers and speakers reference him at some point in their work. His books are so far off the radar screen of modern publishing, you usually find only a copy or two in small book stores, maybe. Often times, his books can be found on the discount rack. His most popular and most widely known book, "As A Man Thinketh" just doesn't have a compelling hook to it in the flood of jazzy titles.

Like most who discover James Allen, I was in a small local book store looking in the Inspiration section. I love the word, "inspiration." It comes from the Greek word "spiritos," the divine breath, or "God Spirit within." The copy that I saw was an updated version titled "As You Think" edited and published by Marc Allen, who is no relation by the way. I bought it and was very taken with the clarity and beauty of his words. He sentences run on a bit, but it doesn't get in the way of what he points towards.

A few years later, I was in a metaphysical book store and found a very small paper copy. The DeVorrs Publishing version is small, measuring about 5" x 3" and the cost was only $4. I used to buy six or so at a time and add them to holiday greeting cards or give them to my Reiki students. It will literally fit into your pants back pocket. Also, Sun Books (http://www.sunbooks.com) has reproduced all of James Allen's 19 books. I was talking to the owner of Sun Books once and asked hims if he knew anything about the background of James Allen. All that he knew was that James Allen lived in England around the early part of the 20th century, worked in industry and died rather young.

I was very surprised. How could the writer of such beautiful and deep books have so little known about himself? Well, it seems that he wanted it that way. Recently, while researching on the Net, I came across a website that had a tribute page to James Allen, as well as some more information about his life, and what kind of a man he was.

So, here's what little else is known about James Allen.

James Allen was born in Leicester, England on November 28, 1864. When he was fifteen, the family business failed and his father left for America to find work. What kind of business his father was in isn't known. Unfortunately, his father was murdered before he could send for the family and subsequently, James left school and worked for several years, eventually becoming a private secretary, a position that would be called "administrative assistant today. His work in industry, and what kind of industry isn't known, ended in 1902, when at the age of 38, Allen began his literary career that only lasted nine years until his death in 1912.

James Allen never gained fame or fortune. He seldom made enough money from his writings to cover expenses. His was a quiet, unrewarded genius. Soon after finishing his first book, "From Poverty To Power," Allen moved to Ilfracombe, on England's southwest coast. The little resort town with its sea front Victorian hotels, rolling hills and winding lanes offered him the quiet atmosphere he needed to pursue his philosophical studies.

"As A Man Thinketh" was Allen's second book. Despite its subsequent popularity he was dissatisfied with it. Obviously, it was a classic case of not being able to see one's own genius. Even though it was his clearest work, he somehow failed to recognize its value. His wife Lily had to persuade him to publish it.

He began his day with a predawn walk up to the Cairn, a stony spot on the hillside overlooking his home and the sea. There, he would meditate for an hour or so. Then he would return to the house and spend the morning writing. His afternoons were devoted to one of his favorite pastimes, gardening. His evenings were spent in conversation with those who were interested in his work. (Sounds like a nice life to me.)

A friend once described Allen's appearance as "A frail-looking little man, Christ-like, with a mass of flowing black hair. I think of him especially in the black velvet suit he always wore in the evenings." the friend wrote. "He would talk quietly to a small group of us - English, French, Austrian and Indian - of meditation, of philosophy, of Tolstoy or Buddha, and of killing nothing, not even a mouse in the garden. He overawed us all a little because of his appearance, his gentle conversation, and especially because he went out to commune with God on the hills before dawn." James Allen definitely walked to be beat of a different drummer.

James Allen's philosophy became possible when liberal Protestantism turned away from the stern dogma that man is sinful by nature. In its place was an optimistic belief in man's innate goodness and divinity. This reversal of doctrine was, as William James said, the greatest revolution of the 19th Century. It was part of a move toward a reconciliation of science and religion following Darwin's publication "The Origin of Species."

Allen's work embodies the influence of Protestant liberalism on the one hand, and of Buddhist thought on the other. For example, the Buddha taught, "All that we are is the result of what we have thought.' Allen's Biblical text says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." This may have been the beginning of the observation of the similarities between the teachings of the Buddha and Jesus.

Allen insists upon the power of the individual to form his own character and to create his own happiness. As he states in the chapter titled, The Effect of Thought on Circumstances, from "As A Man Thinketh,"

"Thought and character are one, and as character can only manifest and discover itself through environment and circumstance, the outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. This does not mean that a man's circumstances at any given time are an indication of his entire character, but that those circumstances are so intimately connected with some vital thought element within him that, for the time being, they are indispensable to his development.'

Allen's message is one of hope, even in the midst of confusion. It is a message that is as contemporary today, as it was when he first wrote it one hundred years ago. In a sense, things haven't changed much. As he wrote in the last chapter of "As A Man Thinketh" titled, Serenity...

"Yes, humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumultuous with ungoverned grief, is blown about by anxiety and doubt. Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.

Allen continues,

"Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you may be, under whatsoever conditions you may live, know this. In the ocean of life, the isles of blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly on the helm of thought. In the ship of your soul reclines the commanding master - he does but sleep; wake him. Self-control is strength, right thought is mastery, calmness is power. Say unto your heart, "Peace, be still!"

In wrapping up this little background essay on James Allen and his work, I would like to share a few observations. When I first read "As A Man Thinketh" in 1988, I was deeply touched. I reread it many times and eventually bought a cassette copy read and published by Marc Allen. Like Marc, I have listened to the reading so many times that I have memorized many parts of the book. Often in conversation I find myself reaching into James Allen's wisdom for clarity. I have even noticed several other cassette readings of "As A Man Thinketh." One was read by the late author and founder of the Nightingale-Conant Company, Earl Nightingale, and the other was read by the late actor, Robert Young. Maybe that's why he was so smart as the dad on the TV show, " Father Knows Best." (just kidding here...)

Since then, I have read many other books and listened to many other teachers. But every time I go back and reread or listen again to my audio version, I am as deeply touched as the first time I read the book. God reminds us in "Conversations With God" that truth has an elegance that is unmistakable. It's also explained that we have been hearing God's words and feelings through the words, pictures, and sculptures of writers and artists for centuries, "I will not leave you without messengers. Those who will show you the way."

I believe that "As A Man Thinketh" is such a message.

All of James Allen's books are available through Sun Books. Their website address is... http://www.sunbooks.com

As a student of the Celestine Prophecy Insights, I'm always on the lookout for coincidences. But years ago, things sometimes had to jump at me over and over to get my attention. "As A Man Thinketh" was one of those books. When I finally read the book, I was blown away by its clarity and beauty. Written in 1902 as one in a series of 14 metaphysical and inspirational books, "As A Man Thinketh" is, in my opinion, the most underrated inspirational book of our time. Maybe it's because "As A Man Thinketh" is physically a small book, that most don't pay attention to it.

Not only is James Allen's writing extraordinarily clear, but his prose is just beautiful.
Consider this passage from the chapter titled "Visions and Ideals." Allen writes;

"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 you will at last unveil.

The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream.

The oak sleeps in the acorn, the bird waits in the egg,
and in the highest vision of the soul, a waking angel stirs.

For dreams, are the seedlings of reality.

Your circumstances may be unpleasant,
but they shall not long remain so,
if you but perceive of an ideal and strive to achieve it.

For you can not travel within and stand still without"

I have read many books and have been lifted up and inspired by many authors.
But every year or so, I reread "As A Man Thinketh" and my Soul is touched once again.

The CD should be ready at the end of August so e-mail us before ordering. To order this Audio CD tape reading of "As A Man Thinketh", send a CHECK or MONEY ORDER for $14.95 + 1.25 for P&H to the address below.

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