James Allen
James Allen was a British philosophical writer, born in Leicester on 28 November 1864, who became a pioneer of the self-help movement.
He was a citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and wrote in the English language throughout his career. Allen produced inspirational books and poetry over the course of his working life, and his output placed him among the figures associated with the early self-help tradition. He died on 24 January 1912 in Ilfracombe, having lived forty-seven years.
His most notable work, As a Man Thinketh, was published in 1903. The book is the title most closely associated with his name and represents the kind of philosophical, inspirational writing that characterised his output. It appeared roughly a decade before his death and stands as the work for which he is most directly identified.
Allen's writing across both books and poetry returned consistently to inspirational subjects, a focus that defined his place as a pioneer of the self-help movement. His work was composed in English and rooted in a philosophical outlook, qualities that run through everything the facts record about him. That combination of inspirational intent and philosophical framing gives his body of writing, including As a Man Thinketh, its recognisable character.
Quotes by James Allen
James Allen's insights on:
The difference between a savior and a sinner is this: that the one has perfect control of all the forces within him; the other is dominated and controlled by them.
Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results.
Possessions are mere transient effects that come when they are required, and after their purpose has been served, pass away.
This life of supreme blessedness is an end, and the pilgrim who is striving towards it, the prodigal returning to it, must travel thither, and employ means to get there. He must pass through the country of his animal desires, disentangling himself from their intricacies, simplifying them, overcoming them; this is the way, and he has no enemies but what spring within himself.
Only by much searching and mining, are gold and diamonds obtained, and man can find every truth connected with his being, if he will dig deep into the mine of his soul.
Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience and of a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought
Let your soul expand, let your heart reach out to others in loving and generous warmth, and great and lasting will be your joy, and all prosperity will come to you.
Man is made or unmade by himself. In the armory of thought, he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself. He also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace.