In brief
Allen's short book takes its title from Proverbs 23:7, “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” In a few dozen pages he argues that thought is the root of both character and circumstance, and that a person who masters thought masters life.
Later prosperity writers focused on results. Allen cares most about character: serenity, purpose, and self-control. Circumstances matter to him mainly because they reveal what a person has been thinking.
Key ideas
- Thought builds character, and character shapes circumstance.
- Thought affects the health of the body.
- A clear purpose gives thought its direction.
- Serenity is the fruit of self-mastery.
In the author’s words
“Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.”James Allen, As a Man Thinketh
“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.”James Allen, As a Man Thinketh
Who it’s for
Read it if you have one hour and want the clearest short statement of New Thought. It is the first step on our “first evening” path.