James Allen's inspirational writings have influenced millions for good. James Allen wrote nineteen books, a rich outpouring of ideas that have lived on to inspire later generations.

As a Man Thinketh was 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.

James Allen strove to live the ideal life described by Russia¹s great novelist Leo Tolstoy – the life of voluntary poverty, manual labor and ascetic self-discipline. Like Tolstoy, Allen sought to improve himself, be happy, and master all of the virtues.