Author Recommendation: The Inspirational James Allen (1864-1912)

     Years ago I was introduced to the book As a Man Thinketh by the Englishman James Allen.  To this day, little is known about him but the literary works he left behind speak volumes about his greatness.  I read As a Man Thinketh over and over at various times in my life; each time I was left in awe at the man's almost unparalleled wisdom.  Each time, as well, I benefited as a person.  That book, his third, was published in 1903 and remains in publication today.  You can read the relatively short book online here:  .http://jamesallen.wwwhubs.com/think.htm.  The following quote, along with hundred others in this book, is a good illustration of Allen's depth and vision:   

     "Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are. Their whims, fancies, and ambitions are thwarted at every step, but their inmost thoughts and desires are fed with their own food, be it foul or clean. The "divinity that shapes our ends" is in ourselves; it is our very self. Man is manacled only by himself. Thought and action are the jailers of Fate - they imprison, being base. They are also the angels of Freedom - they liberate, being noble. Not what he wishes and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns. His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions." 

     Recently, because of my Kindle and a discussion with a friend, I discovered that Allen had actually written 19 books in his lifetime.  Clearly, he was a pioneer in the self-help movement and a master of inspiration (never making any claim to any particular religion).  His words reach the core of life--the mind and spirit.  He has a profound ability to help people reflect, ponder, and want to do better.  He does so without the use of guilt because he simply spells out true principles he learned and lived.
     His entire 19 book collection is available for extremely reasonable prices at bookstores and on kindle.  I am currently reading The Seven Pillars of Prosperity and am thoroughly enjoying it.  I recently read "The Way of Peace" and loved it.  He is inspirational without being preachy.  He just speaks truth as he sees it through his wise eyes.  He understand life and nature at a level reached by few authors is in history.  

James Allen, a Relatively Unknown Genius Whose Writings Can Change Your Life.

     His books are generally short and to the point.  You will find that his books are full of almost endless quotables--many you may want to memorize.  His works can change your life.  He does not espouse any particular religion.  I love what his wife purportedly said about him and his works:  "He never wrote theories, or for the sake of writing; but he wrote when he had a message, and it became a message only when he had lived it out in his own life, and knew that it was good. Thus he wrote facts, which he had proven by practice."  That statement is so true.  I can see his thoughts in the writings of Napoleon Hill, T.S. Elliot and other great self-help gurus.  I have not found his equal.  He died when he was only 48 years old.  His works live on as timeless masterpieces. 

     I am currently reading his Eight Pillars of Prosperity from 1911.  As usual, I am grateful for his wisdom and insights into life, living, and growing gracefully.  If you take my recommendation and give him a chance, you will not regret it.  I am confident that his enlightenment will become, to some degree, a catalyst to greater light in your mind and life.  Happy reading.