As a Man Thinketh — James Allen

Allen believed our thoughts shape our character, behavior, circumstances, and ultimately the direction of our lives. He regarded this relationship as a natural law. I think he was onto something, although our understanding of biology, psychology, and the influence of our environment has changed considerably since his time.

I created this edition because Allen had ideas worth exploring, but his older language can make them hard to approach. I've modernized his wording and sentence structure, including generic references to man where he clearly meant people in general. I've tried to preserve his voice, imagery, and convictions, even where I disagree with them. I haven't quietly rewritten his philosophy to make it fit modern thinking.

Each chapter begins with a short note from me, followed by Allen's modernized text and then my perspective. When he makes a claim I question, I'll explain why. When he makes an observation I find useful, I'll say that, too. The original ideas remain his; my comments are separate.

So, with that, let's meet James Allen.