As a man thinketh by James Allen: Book Review, Ratings and Vocabulary


As a Man Thinketh by James Allen: A Review by The Dark Genome 

Rating: 4.2 (Goodreads)
Reviewed by The Dark Genome

Published in 1903, James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh has stood the test of time, continuing to inspire readers over a century later. Though it’s a short read—taking about an hour to finish—the lessons within linger for a lifetime.


Why This Book Stays Relevant

Have you ever wondered why people behave the way they do or what shapes their character? This book tackles these questions head-on. It dives straight into the heart of its topic: how our thoughts define who we are and the lives we lead. Allen’s approach is not explanatory but suggestive, aiming to provoke introspection.

This timeless piece is particularly impactful for teenagers and young adults, offering a framework for self-reflection and growth. If you’re older, chances are you’ve already lived through many of the concepts explored, but the insights remain valuable as a reminder of personal accountability.


Key Takeaways

James Allen highlights that people are the builders of their character, the designers of their lives, and the authors of their destinies. One particularly striking concept is that circumstances don’t cause behavior—they merely reveal a person’s true nature. For instance, a criminal’s actions aren’t dictated by external events alone; the seeds of such behavior already exist within them, waiting for the right conditions to emerge.

Allen’s style is direct, sometimes uncomfortably so, but truth often is. This unfiltered approach is what makes the book resonate with readers seeking honest, practical wisdom.


Essential Vocabulary for the Book

To fully appreciate the text, familiarize yourself with some of its key terms:

  • Aphorism: A concise statement that cleverly conveys a truth.
  • Pithy: Brief yet meaningful.
  • Deliberately: Done consciously and intentionally.
  • Garner: To accumulate or obtain, particularly knowledge, information, or support.
  • Artifice: Clever devices or tricks used to deceive.
  • Grovelling: Acting submissively to gain favor.
  • Obsequious: Excessively obedient or attentive.
  • Unerringly: Without making mistakes.
  • Diligently: With careful and persistent effort.
  • Buffet: To hit continuously, often referring to the force of wind or waves.
  • Thwart: To prevent someone from achieving a goal.
  • Manacle: A restraint, typically for the hands or ankles.
  • Poised: Composed and self-assured.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking straightforward, profound insights into self-development, As a Man Thinketh is worth your time. It’s a guide to understanding the power of thought and how it shapes your reality. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking for a refresher, this book will leave you contemplating its messages long after you’ve turned the last page.


Pro tip: You can find this classic in bookstores or online. Happy reading!


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Bashing & Praising: Life Expectation's

 Bashing & Praising: Life Expectation's 

In this article, We will talk about why our childhood seems much better than our adulthood, in spite of everything we get in our so-called adult life.
Being a child or being an adult, they both have their own pros and cons right!!!
So let us just dive into the article without any further ado.

Bashing & Praising: Life Expectation's
Photo by Kelcy Gatson on Unsplash

I have heard many people saying that our best days are those of our childhood so enjoy and don't be in a hurry to grow up. 
When I was a kid, like everyone else, I wanted to grow up too, how hard it can be to live as a grown-up man I wonder, It couldn't be as bad as my childhood. We had to take classes every day and all those restrictions we had. 
I didn't like the restrictions at all, and I am sure if you ask a happy person, he would tell you the same thing or Is he? 
I don't know, I have never met one, though it's easy to find a happy child.

Let me tell you something very surprising-

"Only those who are living a very terrible adult life think that their childhood was way better"

Think about the most successful person, you know of, and tell me if he/she still thinks that his/her childhood was way better than the life he/she is living right now, and if you think he/she will bargain his life and habits for the same.
As a human, we all are still looking for a way to escape our responsibility as we did in our childhood, we don't miss our childhood, in particular, we miss how careless we were, and how we had no responsibility, how restless we were and happy.

Bashing & Praising: Life Expectation's
Photo by VisionPic .net from Pexels

In a way, our childhood was better, the love and protection we get from our parents, Selfless friendships, and those cartoons. Back then we used to seek those things, and in a way we still did, and it breaks our heart that we are not allowed the same privilege now.

Let me breakdown the case a little more and then we will move further.

when we were children we always expected to get something from our elders, and as we get older we still seek the same from everyone around us, we forget that now we have moved to the phase where we are supposed to give something to our younger, but here we are, so consumed in our sorrow and happiness that,
 
we don't even care that once the person we are looking for, is not the person we are.

To my friend's, "Life is not fair to anyone, we have been through so much alone, but maybe we can make it easy for others, We have been through many things for so long, it's not about us anymore, we can't wait for the help now, but we can be the help".
And to our next-generation, "Open up and get that bad experience everyone is talking about, and don't worry we got you!"


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