J
ames Allen was a British philosophical writer and poet known for his inspirational and motivational books on self-help and personal development. He is considered one of the early pioneers of the personal development movement, and his works continue to be widely read and influential today. Some of his best-known books include “As a Man Thinketh,” “The Path of Prosperity”, “The Mastery of Destiny,” and “From Poverty to Power”. These books are considered timeless classics and are widely recognized for their powerful messages on the power of positive thinking, the law of attraction, and the ability of the individual to shape their own destiny through the power of their thoughts and actions.
Building a Wealth Mindset: The Ultimate Guide
All that we achieve and all that we fail to achieve is the direct result of our own thoughts.“Self-control is strength. The right thought is mastery. Calmness is power. ” ― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh
“As a Man Thinketh” is a literary essay by James Allen, first published in 1902. In more than a century, it has become an inspirational classic, selling millions of copies worldwide and bringing faith, inspiration, and self-healing to all who have encountered it. The title comes from the Bible: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 7.
As himself, Allen describes, “It shows how, in his own thought-world, each man holds the key to every condition, good or bad, that enters into his life, and that, by working patiently and intelligently upon his thoughts, he may remake his life, and transform his circumstances. …and it can be carried in the pocket.”
Too many mortals strive to improve only their wordly position–and too few seek spiritual betterment. Such is the problem James Allen faced in his own time. The ideas he found in his innermost heart after great searching guided him as they will guide you.
#2: The Path of Prosperity
James Allen was one of the forefathers of the power of positive thinking. In this book, you will learn how to change your life through the way you think. This book will guide you to an understanding of how to find peace and prosperity by changing your attitudes and reactions to life’s challenges. “By your own thoughts, you make or mar your life, your world, your universe. As you build within by the power of thought, so will your outward life and circumstances shape themselves accordingly.”
#3: Eight Pillars of Prosperity
t is popularly supposed that greater prosperity for individuals or nations can only come through political and social reconstruction. This cannot be true apart from the practice of the moral virtues in the individuals that comprise a nation. Better laws and social conditions will always follow a higher realization of morality among the individuals of a community, but no legal enactment can give prosperity to, nay it cannot prevent the ruin of, a man or a nation that has become lax and decadent in the pursuit and practice of virtue.
The moral virtues are the foundation and support of prosperity as they are the soul of greatness. They endure forever, and all the works of man which endure are built upon them. Without them, there is neither strength, stability, nor substantial reality, but only ephemeral dreams. To find moral principles is to have found prosperity, greatness, and truth and is, therefore, to be strong, valiant, joyful, and free.
#4: The Mastery of Destiny
James Allen’s inspirational and thought-provoking books have inspired millions. In The Mastery of Destiny, he instructs readers on developing self-control, willpower, concentration, and motivation. Through mental discipline, we can create a life of unending happiness, prosperity, and, most importantly, self-mastery. James Allen (1864 – 1912) was a British philosophical writer who created many different forms of inspirational books and poetry. He is most known for his third published work, As a Man Thinketh, which has been mass-produced ever since its publication in 1903. This story and many of his other works have helped motivate writers around the world. Contents: 1. Deeds, Character, and Destiny 2. The Science of Self-Control 3. Cause and Effect in Human Conduct 4. Training of the Will 5. Thoroughness 6. Mind-Building and Life-Building 7. Cultivation of Concentration 8. The practice of Meditation 9. The Power of Purpose 10. The Joy of Accomplishment
#5: From Poverty to Power
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
#6: Byways of Blessedness
Self-help books aim to help the reader with problems, offering them clear and effective guidance on how obstacles can be passed and solutions found, especially with regard to common issues and day-to-day life. Such books take their name from the 1859 best-selling “Self-Help” by Samuel Smiles and are often also referred to as “self-improvement” books. “Byways of Blessedness” is a 1904 self-help book by James Allen that aims to help the reader improve their life through the understanding of the simple laws of life and appreciation of the little things. Contents include: “Right Beginnings,” “Small Tasks and Duties,” “Transcending Difficulties and Perplexities,” “Burden-Dropping,” “Hidden Sacrifices,” “Sympathy,” “Forgiveness,” “Seeing no Evil,” “Abiding Joy,” “Silentness,” “Solitude,” “Standing Alone,” “Understanding The Simple Laws of Life,” etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.
#7: All These Things Added
“In seeking for pleasures here and rewards hereafter, men have destroyed (in their hearts) the Temple of Righteousness and have wandered from the Kingdom of Heaven. By ceasing to seek earthly pleasures and heavenly rewards, the Temple of Righteousness is restored, and the Kingdom of Heaven is found. This truth is for those who are ready to receive it, and this book also is for those whose souls have been prepared for the acceptance of its teaching.
“Every human soul is in need. The expression of that need varies with individuals, but there is not one soul that does not feel it in some degree. It is a spiritual and casual need that takes the form, in souls of a particular development, of a deep and inexpressible hunger that the outward things of life, however abundantly they may be possessed, can never satisfy. Yet the majority, imperfect in knowledge and misled by appearances, seek to satisfy this hunger by striving for material possessions, believing that these will satisfy their need and bring them peace.” (James Allen)
#8: The Life Triumphant
In this work, James Allen delineates the internal pilgrimage that commences with the cultivation of faith and courage and ends in knowledge and victory.
In the words of the author: “Every being life in his own mental world. His joys and sorrows are the creations of his own mind and are dependent upon the mind for their existence. In the midst of the world, darkened with many sins and sorrows, in which the majority live, there abides another world, lighted up with shining virtues and unpolluted joy, in which the perfect ones live.”
Allen’s view of spiritual triumph is radically opposed to the compulsive and noisy jubilation of the realization of salvation in orthodox religion.
#9: The Way of Peace
The “Way of Peace” is a New Thought book written by James Allen. Although Allen is more widely known for his “As a Man Thinketh,” it is the lesser known “The Way of Peace” (1907) that reflects more accurately his New Thought Movement affiliations, referencing as it does Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
The book is essentially a treatise on the importance of meditation as a “pathway to divinity.” Whatever we meditate upon, Allen explains, we become. If you meditate upon “that which is selfish and debasing, you will ultimately become selfish and debased.” Whereas if you meditate upon “that which is pure and unselfish, you will surely become pure and unselfish.”
It is now in the public domain within the United States and most other countries. It has been released as a Project Gutenberg eText edition. The book consists of 7 chapters:
- “The Power Of Meditation”;
- “The Two Masters, Self, And Truth”;
- “The Acquirement of Spiritual Power”;
- “The Realisation of Selfless Love”;
- “Entering into the Infinite”;
- “Saints, Sages, And Saviors: The Law Of Service”;
- “The Realisation of Perfect Peace.”
The first chapter also contains a poem, “Star of Wisdom,” which captures the essence of the book.
#10: The Divine Companion
The book of the English author and philosopher James Allen is a series of interesting dissertations about the human condition and the relationship between mankind and divinity.
It is the last work the author wrote and one of his favorites, as he referred to it as “the story of my soul”. According to Allen, to fully understand The Divine Companion, people should read all his writings, from the first to the very last, page by page.
Written in white verses, the book is structured in three sections, each of them having a suggestive title. The first of these divisions, called The Divine Companion, explores the different significations of one of the greatest moral values: the truth.
It is presented as an element that awakes the human spirit, one that has the power to end Discordia or as consolation for the soul. The author also sees truth as providing protection to those who seek it, and, last but not least, he states that truth can also offer one thing many people search for: redemption.
The second part of the book, The Divine Dialogue, presents the way in which people can improve themselves and build a better society at the same time. For this, Allen says, they have to turn to the virtues poured into the soul of mankind by the Great Creator himself. Righteousness, renunciation, discipline, law knowledge, and heart purification are just some of these virtues.
The Divine Messages, the third and last part of the book, deals with the relationship between divinity and mankind and how the two entities can become constant companions. The matters discussed are grouped into three categories: prophecies, exhortations, and instructions.
Final Thoughts: Best Books Written by James Allen
In conclusion, James Allen’s books are powerful personal development and self-help tools. They have stood the test of time and continue to be widely read and influential today. His writing is simple and easy to understand, yet profound in its message. His books remind us of the importance of taking responsibility for our thoughts and actions and the power that lies within us to shape our destinies. James Allen’s books are a great place to start if you are looking for inspiration, guidance, or simply a change of perspective. They will help you understand the power of positive thinking, the law of attraction, and the ability of individuals to shape their destinies through the power of their thoughts and actions.

James is the editor-in-chief at wealthmindsetschool.com. James is a workaholic and an entrepreneur who has been in the tech industry for over ten years. He has worked with Microsoft, owns multiple websites, and now owns a mattress shop. Furthermore, when he has time left over, he will be in his woodworking shop building furniture as a side hustle. James has a B.S. in Business Management Information Systems and a Master’s in Business Administration from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Executive Leadership, and once he completes that, he will pursue his Ph.D. in Business Administration – Entrepreneurship. James also seeks investment opportunities, putting his money to work instead of himself. James is an active believer that wealth begins with developing a wealth mindset. He now teaches, instructs, and helps others achieve that goal.