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THE aphorism, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he,” not only embraces the whole of a man’s being, but is so comprehensive as to reach out to every condition and circumstance of his life. A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.
As the plant springs from, and could not be without, the seed, so every act of a man springs from the hidden seeds of thought, and could not have appeared without them. This applies equally to those acts called “spontaneous” and “unpremeditated” as to those, which are deliberately executed.
Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits; thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry.
James Allen, As a man thinketh.

“As a Man Thinketh” is a classic self-help book that explores the power of thoughts and their influence on our lives. The central idea is that our thoughts shape our reality, and by changing our thought patterns, we can change our circumstances.
The book emphasises the importance of cultivating positive and constructive thoughts, as these will lead to positive outcomes in our lives. It encourages readers to take responsibility for their thoughts and to consciously choose to focus on uplifting and empowering ideas.
One of the key principles in the book aligns with Stoic philosophy – the idea that we cannot control external events, but we can control our reactions and responses to those events. Our thoughts determine our emotions and actions, which in turn shape our experiences.
The book also highlights the importance of perseverance, discipline, and self-mastery in shaping our thought patterns. It suggests that by consistently focusing on positive and productive thoughts, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Overall, “As a Man Thinketh” offers a practical and inspiring message that encourages readers to take responsibility for their mindset and to use the power of their thoughts to create a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Have you read the book?

“The secret of being a bore is to tell everything.”
Voltaire
The quote essentially highlights the virtue of being concise and thoughtful with one’s words. In our age of oversharing and constant streams of information, it serves as a reminder to be mindful of what we choose to express and how we express it.
From a Stoic perspective, the ability to filter one’s thoughts and speech is a mark of self-discipline and wisdom. The Stoics valued clear and purposeful communication, avoiding unnecessary verbosity or idle chatter. By “telling everything,” one risks saturating their audience with excessive and often trivial details, effectively becoming a “bore.”
The quote encourages us to be discerning about what we share, focusing on what is truly meaningful and relevant. It’s about cultivating the ability to listen more than we speak, and to speak with intention when we do. By being more selective and thoughtful with our words, we not only avoid boring others, but we also foster deeper connections and more engaging conversations.

What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows.
Epictetus