This was a very short book but every paragraph packed so much knowledge. Mr. Allen felt that it was our thoughts that determined who we are. He stated it best in his chapter on Thought and Character: "...in the armoury 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.”
The book is divided into seven chapters — Thought and Character, Effect of Thought on Circumstances, Effect of Thought on Health and Body, Thought and Purpose, Thought-Factor in Achievement, Visions and Ideals, and Serenity. Each chapter had numerous ideas for everyday, practical use.
My favorite chapter, though, was the one on Serenity. "Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom." He states in another paragraph, "Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him." That is his description of serenity, and I am inspired to achieve that level of thought for myself. For many years the winds and the storms of my soul raged uncontrolled within me, and only recently have I realized they can be tempered and calmed. It will take a lot of practice and an extremely heightened sense of self-awareness. I do realize the turmoil inside could never be totally conquered, like the constant crashing of the ocean waves on a rocky shore, but as long as I am strong enough to keep the self-defeating thoughts at bay, the unending rhythm of the ocean then becomes a necessary cycle to keep my mind on the path for enlightenment.
