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As a Man Thinketh (Barnes & Noble Gift Edition)

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"As a Man Thinketh" is one of the pioneering works of the modern inspirational and self-help literature. More of a long essay than a proper book, it was first published in 1902 and it brought its author James Allen enough of a success that he was able to dedicate all of his energies to writing from then on. The book's title is an allusion to a verse in King James Bible "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) However, the context in which the verse was written differs somewhat from the main theme of this book. The verse was meant to war the reader not to be deceived by the outward appearances but to pay attention to one's true motives. However, Allen used it a springboard into the discourse over the way that our internal states of mind determine our actions and situations in life - almost the exact opposite of what the biblical verse was implying.

This book is a gem of virtue ethics and personal responsibility. Too many self-help books aim to work on external manifestations of deeper internal problems, but this book firmly aims to change our actions through changing the underlying thoughts that lead to those actions. This is a difficult task, but it is something that is admirable and worth striving for. The book reinforces this point in many well-written and accessible ways. In fact, "As a Man Thinketh" is a beautiful example of clear and straightforward writing that has stood the test of time. The book is truly inspiring without being maudlin. It is very short, and therefore easy to read in a single sitting. Nonetheless, much of its charm lays in the fact that it can be read and reread over and over again. As long as the human condition remains as it is, this book will remain relevant.