A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it. He should make this purpose the centralizing point of his thoughts. It may take the form of a spiritual ideal, or it may be a worldly object, according to his nature at the time being but whichever it is, he should steadily focus his thought forces upon the object which he has set before him. He should make this purpose his supreme duty, and should devote himself to its attainment, not allowing his thoughts to wander away into ephemeral fancies, longings, and imaginings. This is the royal road to self-control and true concentration of thought. Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose (as he necessarily must until weakness is overcome), the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting point for future power and triumph.
More Quotes from James Allen:
If a man will understand how intimately, yea, how inseparably, self-control and happiness are associated, he has but to look into his own heart, and upon the world around,...Looking upon the lives of men and women, he will perceive how the hasty word, the bitter retort, the act of deception, the blind prejudice and foolish resentment bring wretchedness and even ruin in their train.James Allen
A man is literally what he thinks.
James Allen
To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve.
James Allen
What they knew about the body is quite striking, though they did not always understand it.
James Allen
A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself.
James Allen
Where there are difficulties to cope with, and unsatisfactory conditions to overcome, there virtue most flourishes and manifests its glory.
James Allen
Readers Who Like This Quotation Also Like:
Based on Topics: Characters Quotes, Duty Quotes, Ideal Quotes, Man Quotes, Mind Quotes, Religions & Spirituality Quotes, Success Quotes, Thought & Thinking Quotes, Time QuotesBased on Keywords: centralizing, imaginings, longings, self-control
The words of truth are simple.
Aeschylus
Luck relies on chance, labor on character.
Richard Cobden
THE autumn of 1850 brought an event freighted with deep significance to me. My mother died.
John Sergeant Wise