The body is the servant of the mind. It obeys the operations of the mind, whether they be deliberately chosen or automatically expressed.
James AllenRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-understanding leads to peace and a better understanding of others.
This quote emphasizes that gaining insight into oneself as a thoughtful being is essential for achieving inner tranquility. As one improves their self-awareness, they also begin to grasp the interconnectedness of thoughts and actions, which reduces emotional turmoil and fosters a state of calmness and steadiness in life.
Themes
Self-UnderstandingCalmnessWisdomThoughtInner Peace
In practice
Example use cases
In a mindfulness workshop to encourage self-reflection.
More from James Allen
All quotes →Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts inevitably bring about right results.
James AllenRead
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.
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They who have conquered doubt and fear have conquered failure.
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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.
James AllenRead
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.
James AllenRead
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