1864-1912, British-born American Essayist, Author of ''As a Man Thinketh''
A man is literally what he thinks
James Allen – [Thoughts and Thinking]
A man is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, healthy, and prosperous being; and happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of a harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer of the man with his surroundings.
James Allen – [Environment]
A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it. He should make this purpose the centralizing point of his thoughts. It may take the form of a spiritual ideal, or it may be a worldly object, according to his nature at the time being; but whichever it is, he should steadily focus his thought forces upon the object which he has set before him. He should make this purpose his supreme duty, and should devote himself to its attainment, not allowing his thoughts to wander away into ephemeral fancies, longings, and imaginings. This is the royal road to self-control and true concentration of thought. Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose (as he necessarily must until weakness is overcome), the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting point for future power and triumph.
James Allen – [Purpose]
A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life.
James Allen – [Life and Living]
Above all be of single aim; have a legitimate and useful purpose, and devote yourself unreservedly to it.
James Allen – [Purpose]
All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is the direct result of your thoughts.
James Allen – [Thoughts and Thinking]
Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.
James Allen – [Appreciation]
Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him.
James Allen – [Circumstance]
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 of what you shall at last unveil.
James Allen – [Dreams]
For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?
James Allen – [Success]
Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bear bad fruit.
James Allen – [Honesty]
Harmony is one phase of the law whose spiritual expression is love.
James Allen – [Peace]
He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.
James Allen – [Self-sacrifice]
He who would be useful, strong, and happy must cease to be a passive receptacle for the negative, beggarly, and impure streams of thought; and as a wise householder commands his servants and invites his guests, so must he learn to command his desires and to say, with authority, what thoughts he shall admit into the mansion of his soul.
James Allen – [Self-talk]
If you real desire is to be good, there is no need to wait for the money before you do it; you can do it now, this very moment, and just where you are.
James Allen – [Opportunity]
In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of effort is the measure of the results.
James Allen – [Determination]
It is a process of diverting one's scattered forces into one powerful channel.
James Allen – [Focus]
Let there be nothing within thee that is not very beautiful and very gentle, and there will be nothing without thee that is not beautiful and softened by the spell of thy presence.
James Allen – [Beauty]
Man is made or unmade by himself. By the right choice he ascends. As a being of power, intelligence, and love, and the lord of his own thoughts, he holds the key to every situation.
James Allen – [Choice]
Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.
James Allen – [Self-improvement]