James Allen

British philosophical writer

James Allen (28 November 1864 – 24 January 1912) was a British philosophical writer known for his inspirational books and poetry and as a pioneer of the self-help movement. His best known work, As a Man Thinketh, has been mass-produced since its publication in 1903. It has been a source of inspiration to motivational and self-help authors.

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Eight Pillars of Prosperity

From: Mind Is the Master - The Complete James Allen Treasury

by James Allen

James Allen wrote As a Man Thinketh—one of the all-time classics of old-school inspirational self-help. As it turns out, he wrote a *ton* of other stuff as well. He was an incredibly (!) prolific and lucid writer. Big Ideas we explore in this Note include the eight pillars of prosperity, why energy is a moral virtue, the power of kindness and generosity and how to tap into the soul of genius.

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Abundance & Purpose

As a Man Thinketh

by James Allen

Although somewhat obscure, James Allen is a wise guy and his essays have deeply influenced many of today's leading teachers. In this Note, we'll explore the fact that dreams are the seedlings of our future realities and we'll learn how important it is that we strengthen the power of our minds if we want to live an extraordinary life of meaning.

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20th Century Classic Best of Optimize New Thought Top 101 Work

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Work Diligently, Patiently and Persistently
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And You’re Bound to Be Successful

In our last +1, we talked about the power of blissipline. Bliss + Discipline = Boom! When I think about bringing discipline to our lives (and to our spiritual practices), I immediately think of S.N. Goenka. For anyone who has attended his 10-day silent Vipassana meditation (aka a 10-day bootcamp for your...

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Start Again
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And Again and Again and Again…

In our last +1, we talked about the renowned Vipassana meditation teacher S.N. Goenka and his mantra: “Work diligently. Diligently. Work patiently and persistently. Patiently and persistently. And you’re bound to be successful. Bound to be successful.” Goenka had another mantra that’s worth chatt...

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Strong Determination
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How’s Yours?

Continuing our theme of S.N. Goenka-inspired wisdom, let’s chat about something he calls “Strong Determination.” First, context. Imagine this: You check yourself in for ten (!!!) days of silence. The last words you’ll speak for those ten days (aside from a few words with your instructor) are “T...

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Confidence

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Impermanence
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"Anicca, Anicca, Anicca"

Continuing our fun little recap of wisdom picked up at an S.N. Goenka Vipassana retreat, let’s talk about impermanence. We’ll do so via another classic Goenka mantra (all of which, again, are spoken in a beautifully drawn-out, lyrical Burmese accent, btw): “Anicca, anicca, anicca.”...

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Stoicism

Best of Optimize equanimity Goenka optimism Wisdom Work

Seeds of (Metaphorical) Corn
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You Planting Yours?

We’re on a roll with some mindfulness wisdom via Goenka, so here’s one more story. Once upon a time an Indian woman with a large family passed away. Now, Goenka tells us, in classic Indian culture, the woman controlled the family finances so the widower needed to select one of his four sons&#...

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The Oak Sleeps in the Acorn
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Sprouting Genius Work

In our last +1, we talked about doing Genius Work (vs. Mediocre Work) as we reminded ourselves that both the Romans and the Greeks had a word for our inner guiding spirit—that Optimus best within each of us. The Greeks called it daimon. The Romans called it genius. As you may recall, back in the day we...

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Modern Hērō & Purpose

Actualization big-picture flourish Inspiration modern-hero purpose soul Spirit Vision

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James Allen

British philosophical writer

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The Oak Sleeps in the Acorn #1192 Get instant access to all +1's! Join nearly 10,000 members in the 1,000-Day Epic Optimizing Challenge and start optimizing your life today. Join Now

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Work Diligently, Patiently and Persistently
#393

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Start Again
#394

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Strong Determination
#395

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Impermanence
#396

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Seeds of (Metaphorical) Corn
#397

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The Oak Sleeps in the Acorn
#1192

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