James Allen

1864 - 1912

James Allen's inspirational writings have influenced millions for good. Yet today he is almost unknown.

None of his books give a clue to his life other than to mention his place of residence - Ilfracombe, England.

Who was James Allen, this man who believed in the power of thought to bring fame, fortune and happiness?

We know that James Allen was born in Leicester (pronounced Lester), Central England, November 28, 1864. A family financial crisis forced James to leave school at fifteen. He eventually became a private secretary and worked in this capacity for several British manufacturers until 1902, when he decided to devote all his time to writing.

We know that he married Lilly and had a daughter Nohra

James Allen's literary career was short, lasting only eleven years, until his death in 1912. During that period he wrote numerous books, a rich outpouring of ideas that have lived on to inspire later generations.

As A Man Thinketh was James Allen's second book. Despite its subsequent popularity he was dissatisfied with it. Even though it was his most concise and eloquent work, the book that best embodied his thought, he somehow failed to recognize its value. His wife Lily had to persuade him to publish it.

According to his wife, James "wrote when he had a message, and it became a message only when he had lived it in his own life, and knew that it was good."

James Allen insists upon the power of the individual to form his own character and to create his own happiness. "Thought and character are one," he says.

His is a philosophy that has brought success to millions. It is the philosophy of Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking and of Joshua Liebman's Peace of Mind.

"Tempest-tossed souls wherever you may be, under whatsoever conditions you may live, know this, in the ocean of life the isles of blessedness are smiling and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming...."

And thus Allen teaches two essential truths.

We are where our thoughts have taken us, and

For better or worse we are the architects of our futures.

To live your best life be true to the YOU, that you want to be.

Live with passion. Change your life from making a living to making a difference.

Live up to the reputation that you want to have.