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64 of 65 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Book to Hold On To, November 14, 2000
This review is from: The Wisdom of James Allen : Including As a Man Thinketh, The Path to Prosperity, The Mastery of Destiny, The Way of Peace, and Entering the Kingdom (Radiant Life S.) (Paperback)
This particular anthology of the very best writings of James Allen is a testament to the truth of that cliché; "Good things come in small packages." The collection of five classic works by the contemplative Englishman, being only about 5 x 4 inches, is the ideal size for stuffing Christmas stockings, though it is entirely more substantial that the throwaway knickknacks and edibles that are usually found therein. It also rides unobtrusively in backpacks, briefcases and handbags, and will be equally inspiring and motivating to the carriers of all of the above. This is a book that cries out to be toted around; open it up to any page and you will unfailingly be greeted by a gem--in the form of Allen's digestible, clean, concise prose. It is no exaggeration to say that James Allen's was one of the great minds (and souls) of the nineteenth century. Opting not to utilize the convoluted and alienating language of some other great thinkers and philosophers, Allen-an exceedingly humble man who advocated simplicity in life-meant for his deeply valuable ruminations to be shared with everyone, no matter what age, sex or background. And it is true that his writings-on such themes as character, destiny, true wealth, spiritual development, the secret of happiness, serenity, suffering and the universal law of love-are as appropriate for the high-schooler as for the retiree, the ambitious business person or the thoughtful homebody. As well as one of simplicity, Allen believed in a life of self-discipline, self-examination, and a constant striving for personal betterment and harmony both within and among individuals. This involves, in largely simplified terms, refusing to judge ones fellows while at the same time reaching to better one's self-through the renunciation of personal, inharmonious will for surrender to the unfailingly loving and ever-present guidance of a higher power (or self). Lovers of the great author Leo Tolstoy's synthesis of the earthly and prosaic with the mystical and spiritual will appreciate a similar quality in Allen, who was an admirer of the former. Allen, perhaps even better than Tolstoy, demonstrates that there is no better place or time to become more spiritually beautiful, prosperous, loving, harmonious and happy than here on this earth and in this life. Peace, truth, prosperity, joy, wisdom and that vague, cloud-enshrouded `Kingdom of Heaven' we have all heard of are not, Allen emphasizes in these works, conditions which await us after the completion of this strife-ridden earthly existence; on the contrary, they are qualities already present in abundance, here and now, not just around us but in us, waiting to be realized. We all need to be reminded now and then of the responsibility we have for our own happiness and destiny. James Allen-in this appropriately small, simple-looking yet densely rich book-illustrates how to effectively exercise this responsibility for the most fruitful results and rewards, both tangible and intangible.
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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blessed is he who can control his thoughts..., March 26, 2002
This review is from: The Wisdom of James Allen : Including As a Man Thinketh, The Path to Prosperity, The Mastery of Destiny, The Way of Peace, and Entering the Kingdom (Radiant Life S.) (Paperback)
We are all searching for answers on how to lead a fulfilled life. The answers are within all of us, but often we look elsewhere to try and find the answers through comparison and material possessions. I have by no means mastered the lessons taught by James Allen, but can see that with time, patience, and persistance I can be at peace with myself. This work is greatly enhanced with a goal setting plan. The combination allows us to create a plan and a framework to live by. The result is the ability to ultimately construct the fulfilled life we are all searching. This is not a read and put away book. One really has to think about the messages conveyed.
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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
James Allen compares with Shakespeare, December 4, 2000
This review is from: The Wisdom of James Allen : Including As a Man Thinketh, The Path to Prosperity, The Mastery of Destiny, The Way of Peace, and Entering the Kingdom (Radiant Life S.) (Paperback)
James Allen compares with Shakespeare and wrote very clearly and appealing for the common man. I first became acquainted with James Allen's "As A Man Thinketh", about 20 years ago. Until recently, I did not know he had written so extensively. It amazes me that one man knew so much and thought so clearly. I gather that he did his writing between 1902 and 1912, only 10 years. He died at age 48, in 1912. Thank you, Blue Dove Foundation, and Laurel Press, for promoting this man's thinking in his books. England not only gave us Shakespeare. They gave us James Allen. If Allen's writings were used in today's education establishments, the world would be much improved. His writings should be in every education establishment in every country of the world. The world lost a real treasure with his passing. Jim Kelly
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