Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results … We understand this law in the natural world, and work with it; but few understand it in the mental and moral world—although its operation there is just as simple and undeviating— and they, therefore, do not cooperate with it.
Interpretation
Positive thoughts and actions lead to good outcomes, while negative ones lead to bad outcomes.
James Allen emphasizes the fundamental law of cause and effect that operates in both the natural and mental realms. He points out that just as we recognize the simple workings of this law in nature, we often overlook its clear application in our thoughts and moral actions, which ultimately shape our experiences and results in life.
In practice
During a motivational speech on personal development.
A man becomes calm in the measure that he understands himself as a thought-evolved being. For such knowledge necessitates the understanding of others as the result of thought, and as he develops a right understanding, and sees ever more clearly the internal relations of things by the action of cause and effect, he ceases to fuss, fume, worry, and grieve. He remains poised, steadfast, serene.
The body is the servant of the mind. It obeys the operations of the mind, whether they be deliberately chosen or automatically expressed.
Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts inevitably bring about right results.
Man is made or unmade by himself. In the armory 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.
They who have conquered doubt and fear have conquered failure.
Let there be nothing within thee that is not very beautiful and very gentle, and there will be nothing without thee that is not beautiful and softened by the spell of thy presence.
It's your own conscience That is gonna remind you That it's your heart and nobody else's That is gonna judge.
Seeker, empty the boat, lighten the load, be free of craving and judgment and hatred, and feel the joy of the way.
When we fight back with joy, we awaken to the deepest reality of our identity as beloved, delightful children of God.
Are you sure self-pity is a luxury you can afford, Jack?
To let the brain work without sufficient material is like racing an engine. It racks itself to pieces.
Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable. Never drink when you are wretched without it, or you will be like the grey-faced gin-drinker in the slum; but drink when you would be happy without it, and you will be like the laughing peasant of Italy. Never drink because you need it, for this is rational drinking, and the way to death and hell. But drink because you do not need it, for this is irrational drinking, and the ancient health of the world.
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