Sunday, December 18, 2011

James Allen – Inspired Author, Gentle Soul

James AllenJames Allen (1864-1912) was a gifted writer and philosopher who lived the type of life he wrote about (a complete list of his works and links to them are listed at the end of this post). His wife said he was “a good man who lived every word he wrote” (preface to Book of Meditations) and that “he never wrote theories, or for the sake of writing, or to add another to his many books; 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.”—preface to Foundation Stones to Happiness and Success.

James was born in Leicester, England on November 28, 1864. His father went to America in 1879 to improve the family’s financial circumstances. Shortly after his arrival in New York and before he could send for his family he was robbed and murdered. Thus at the age of 15 James had to leave school to work and help support the family.

He married Lily Louisa Oram in 1895 at the age of 29 and they had their only child Nohra in 1896. There are various descriptions regarding what inspired him to write but all agree that he “retired” from regular work to devote his time to writing in 1902. He published his own magazine The Light of Reason which was later renamed The Epoch.

Like my other favorite author, William George Jordan (who was born the same year as James), James Allen’s works are replete with profound thoughts such as, “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.” He often used analogies from gardening, a favorite pastime.

He died January 24th, 1912  at the relative young age of 47 having written material that would be published in 20 books. Today, nearly 100 years following his death, his words are still cherished by many and have a positive impact on mankind. I believe he is still accomplishing the mission he set for himself as described in the foreword of his first book From Poverty to Power; or, the Realization of Prosperity and Peace.

I looked around upon the world, and saw that it was shadowed by sorrow and scorched by the fierce fires of suffering. And I looked for the cause. I looked around, but could not find it; I looked in books, but could not find it; I looked within, and found there both the cause and the self-made nature of that cause. I looked again, and deeper, and found the remedy.

I found one Law, the Law of Love; one Life, the Life of adjustment to that Law; one Truth, the truth of a conquered mind and a quiet and obedient heart. And I dreamed of writing a book which should help men and women, whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, worldly or unworldly, to find within themselves the source of all success, all happiness, all accomplishment, all truth. And the dream remained with me, and at last became substantial; and now I send it forth into the world on its mission of healing and blessedness, knowing that it cannot fail to reach the homes and hearts of those who are waiting and ready to receive it.

His books are both inspiring and challenging to read. You’ll more than likely find that reading Allen causes some personal discomfort as you identify areas in your life that can be improved and begin to realize that only you stand in the way of a positive change. However, when you take that first step you’ll find a loving God who will support you on your journey.

The following are some of my favorite quotes from As a Man Thinketh (HTML, PDF), his most well known book.

A noble and Godlike character is not a thing of favor or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with Godlike thoughts.

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.

Every thought-seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind, and to take root there, produces its own, blossoming sooner or later into act, and bearing its own fruitage or opportunity and circumstance.

Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.

Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.

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.

… what, then, is the meaning of “fighting against circumstances?” It means that a man is continually revolting against an effect without, while all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart.

Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.

… man has but to right himself to find that the universe is right; and during the process of putting himself right he will find that as he alters his thoughts towards things and other people, things and other people will alter towards him.

… there is no comforter to compare with goodwill for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow.

Thoughts of doubt doubt and fear never accomplished anything, and never can. Purpose, energy, power to do, and all strong thoughts cease when doubt and fear creep in.

A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped, and even then the weak man must become strong of himself; he must, by his own efforts, develop the strength which he admires in another.

Dreams are the seedlings of realities.

… you … will realize the Vision (not the idle wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful, or a mixture of both, for you will always gravitate toward that which you secretly, most love.

Below are are list of his works with links to online versions, some of which were published after his death by his wife. Note, with the exception of As a Man Thinketh, for which I’ve created PDF and HTML versions, all HTML links are from The James Allen Free Library.

Books


Biographical Highlights

  • 1864: Born in Leicester, England on November 24th.
  • 1879: his father died in America.
  • 1895: Married Lily Louisa Oram.
  • 1896: Birth of his daughter Nohra.
  • 1902: “Retired” to Ilfracombe,England (southwest coast) to be a full-time writer.
  • 1902: Founded and edited “Light of Reason” which was later renamed “The Epoch”.
  • 1912: Died on January 24th.


Other Resources:

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10 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    Hey Rod,

    Hope all is well. Just downloaded the PDF for As A Man Thinketh. Looking forward to the read.

    Thanks for the post and upload.

    Michael Vu

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rod MannJanuary 14, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    You are most welcome. Hope you enjoy the book. All is well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rod MannFebruary 2, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    Olivia ... thanks for the positive feedback. James Allen has some wonderful insights to life as you highlight in your blog - Love the Light ~ Live in the Light. You might enjoy some of William George Jordan's books. They are also relatively short and can be downloaded from my blog (http://mannkindperspectives.blogspot.com/2011/04/books-by-william-george-jordan.html). He was a contemporary to James but lived on this side of the Atlantic. I'd start with the Kingship of Self-Control and if you like that then try The Majesty of Calmness, The Power of Truth, The Crown of Individuality and The Trusteeship of Life. It's hard to pick favorites as they are all good. Jordan's book on marriage is also enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Happy WarriorNovember 16, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    Thank you for your efforts in posting such valuable information. I have enjoyed your comments and resources a great deal.
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rod MannNovember 16, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    Thanks Kathy. Glad you enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jonathan BrownJuly 23, 2015 at 2:08 PM

    Thank you for posting this. I've respected James Allen for many years. I particularly enjoyed what you said about the initial discomfort you feel when reading Allen's works. They are certainly thought-provoking!

    If you'd like to read an updated paraphrase of "As a Man Thinketh" for twenty-first century men and women, look at "Seeds of Thought." It's available for download free of charge on Amazon between July 24 and 27.

    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ROSPD1W/

    If you like it, please leave a review on Amazon and tell your readers! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2016 at 5:52 PM

    Hi guys!
    I love James Allen but at the same time I very often think that much of his stuff is impractical and difficult to apply!
    I prefer self development literature by Anthony Robbins that really gives You practical steps about what to do!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2019 at 9:24 PM

    Hello Mr. Mann. I found your post while searching for commentary about James Allen. I enjoyed your post and your site overall. I wish you would continue with your writing. From reading your about me section, I'm convinced you have much useful wisdom to share! Take care.
    -A

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rod MannFebruary 16, 2019 at 5:59 PM

      Glad that you enjoyed the post. If you link James Allen you may also like William George Jordan. They were born the same year. Thanks for your encouragement.

      Delete
  9. AnonymousJuly 16, 2022 at 5:33 AM

    Such a hard life, such a beautiful man.

    ReplyDelete

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