James Allen's From Poverty to Power (1901) and As a Man Thinketh (1902) stand as seminal texts in the self-help genre that have served as sources of inspiration since their publication at the beginning of the twentieth century. Loosely based in its principles around the Biblical proverb "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," As a Man Thinketh asserts the powerful idea that belief is central to bringing about positive events in one's life. From Poverty to Power, Allen's first book, relies on a similar philosophy but addresses themes of adversity and suffering more directly and offers his simple wisdom as a means of overcoming difficulty. Allen's writings are powerful and relevant today as they were over a century ago, and this collection brings their solace and inspiration to modern listeners.
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"I liked this book because James Allen put into words many thoughts I have had. The statements are blunt and some based on scientific evidence as opposed to personal experience (which can ring truth as well). If applied, this book has potential to be powerfully useful. It is very short, I read it in between classes in just a couple hours. It is thoughtful, obviously, not your basic story line book. I do think the book lacked in addressing mental illnesses fully. It gives the notion you can think away any problem or illness. While this has some truth, the mental struggle can often be overwhelming. I agree that the mind is very powerful, perhaps much more than we acknowledge. A good book to study."
— Hillary (4 out of 5 stars)
" EVERYONE should read this book! This is really a life-changing book! "
— Kimberly, 2/19/2014" A classic..a quick and easy read. Everyone should read this at least once. "
— Betsy, 2/8/2014" A MUST READ..TAKES 2 hours and will revolutionize your thoughts about self-control, ideals, successes, etc the way reading Gandhi would. "
— Naresh, 2/8/2014" So true! A great book to have to assist you in your self development and self realization. "
— Kyoka, 1/21/2014" I just read this book. I thought it right on mostly "
— Connie, 12/28/2013" Wow, what a book. I downloaded this from 'learnoutloud.com' and have listened to it a few times. The basic line is that you are what you think and that you can yourself based out your thoughts. Good thought - a good you. Bad thoughts - a bad you. Also, thought affect circumstance as well. So good thoughts - good circumstances. It is amazing to hear his explanations of how our thoughts direct our lifes through perception and reality. It's like WOW that makes so much sense! That is so easy to understand, but yet, why is it so hard to take advantage of that knowledge and change our lifes? I am also reading other writings of his. "
— Book, 12/17/2013" A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts. "
— Malou, 12/9/2013" Great book -much wisdom. Will read again and reference. "
— Brandon, 11/30/2013" All I can say is Wow! Great read. "
— E'yen, 11/12/2013" its a little book but a dawn good one. if your feeling down just read this book. "
— Caleb, 10/24/2013" "Positive thinking at its best. Great writing. " "
— Suymey, 9/24/2013" Some valid and good points but certainly not all true. Over simplified premise. 2 1/2 stars. "
— Synthia, 9/2/2013" I love this little book! "
— Alisha, 3/17/2013" I loved this book. It's something that I think every person should read, and then revisit again and again. Our mind and the way we think truly do dictate the outcome of our lives. I've implemented much of what the book advised and see a difference for the better. "
— Chantel, 2/11/2013" A must read book that challenges you to think positive in order to achieve greatness "
— Captain, 2/1/2013" The powers that lie between our ears! "
— Gary, 12/29/2012" definitly puts things in prespective from the male point of view. . . Quick read! "
— Donovan, 3/12/2012" I received this book as a gift from sweet elderly lady last year, so I thought I better read it because it was one of her favorites. "
— Lynn, 2/6/2012" This is my second reading of this short book. I love the many take aways that it provides. I need to read this more often because of its strong promotion of self-control. "
— Chad, 1/10/2012" Simply written, imparting noble ideas which stand the test of time and are never old fashioned. A must for anyone looking at bettering their life. "
— Vazir, 12/19/2011" Allen was such a forward thinker. This is one I try to keep around me at all times. I am such a cynic who wants to believe :) "
— Liz, 8/19/2011" Ummm, a little too close to magical thinking for my taste "
— Rich, 6/21/2011James Allen (1864–1912) was a philosophical writer born in Leicester, England. He wrote numerous spiritual and inspirational books, including From Passion to Peace and The Eight Pillars of Prosperity. He is considered a pioneer of the self-help movement. His best-known work, As a Man Thinketh, has been in print since its publication in 1902.