The Last Chapter of As a Man Thinketh
A woman becomes calm in the measure that she understands herself as a thought-evolved being, for such knowledge necessitates the understanding of others as the result of thought, and as she develops a right understanding, and sees more and more clearly the internal relationships of things by the action of cause and effect, she ceases to fuss and fume and worry and grieve, and remains poised, steadfast, serene.
The calm woman, having learned how to govern herself, knows how to adapt herself to others; and they, in turn, reverence her spiritual strength, and feel that they can learn of her and rely upon her. The more tranquil a woman becomes, the greater is her success, her influence, her power for good. Even the ordinary trader will find her business prosperity increase as she develops a greater self-control and equanimity, for people will always prefer to deal with a woman whose demeanor is strongly equable.
The strong, calm woman is always loved and revered. She is like a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land, or a sheltering rock in a storm. “Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet-tempered, balanced life? It does not matter whether it rains or shines, or what changes come to those possessing these blessings, for they are always sweet, serene, and calm. That exquisite poise of character, which we call serenity is the last lesson of culture, the fruitage of the soul. It is precious as wisdom, more to be desired than gold—yea, than even fine gold. How insignificant mere money-seeking looks in comparison with a serene life—a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath the waves, beyond the reach of tempests, in the Eternal Calm!
How few people we meet in life who are well balanced, who have that exquisite poise which is characteristic of the finished character! Only the wise woman, only she whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey her.
James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh was published in Britain in 1903. The title of the essay refers to the verse from the Biblical book of Proverbs 23:7: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he“.
The essay offers the key to success and happiness: “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.” (Or: “A woman is literally what she thinks, her character being the complete sum of all her thoughts.”)
The book ends with these words, which have formed the inspiration for this series of 4 posts:
Self-control is Strength.
Right-thought is Mastery.
Calmness is Power.
Say unto your heart, “Peace, be still!”
The last section from the final chapter of As a Man Thinketh by James Allen (converted to the feminine):
Tempest-tossed souls, wherever ye may be, under whatsoever conditions ye 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.
Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. In the barque of your soul reclines the commanding Mistress; She does but sleep; awaken her.
Self-control is Strength.
Right-thought is Mastery.
Calmness is Power.
Say unto your heart, “Peace, be still!”
Barque: A sailing ship with 3 or more masts.