A Multidisciplinary Research Journal - Devanga Arts College

“As flies are to wanton boys, God’s kill us for their sport”. At times this kind of Hadrian
type of pessimism encircles human beings. Very few writers have ventured to confront such
issues and dare to give a convincing answer that would offer some kind of solace and consolation
to humanity. One such writer of little known eminence is James Allen’s writings bear close
kinship with Indian philosophy and the thoughts of Shakespeare, Milton, Bacon and Emerson.
Of course, James Allen had mastered their writings, but the assertive and authoritative manner
with which he presents his ideas is unique, comforting, guiding and gives the much needed
healing touch to the badly bruised mankind.
ABOUT JAMES ALLEN:
1. Enquired at an early age about the philosophy of life with his father.
2. Frail health from birth onwards.
3. Whole hearted interest in work, executed with perfection, right things at the right time.
4. Concentration of mind was unique, systematic performance of reading, playing, eating,
and sleeping with regularity and system.
5. At the age of seventeen began to memorise the dramas of Shakespeare.
6. Loved objects of nature went and established an affectionate relationship with wild
animals in the forest - animals also responded affectionately.
7. At the age of 15, family met with object penury. His father went to New York to eke out
a living. But on reaching New York within two days he died. The only valuable properly
left in the family was a relic-a silver watch.
8. After the demise of his father, Allen had to work for fifteen hours to support his aged and
ailing mother and two brothers.
9. Spent three to four hours in reading books. He considered hectic work schedule and
systematic deep reading of books was similar to learning many languages simultaneously.
Concepts of James Allen: His lofty objective was to search for Truth. To achieve:
1. This he learnt multitude of books. He was of the opinion that the suffering
undergone by men is like living in hell the joys are heavenly experience. Apart
from these, here is no hell or heaven elsewhere.
2. Discipline and exemplary character and conduct, James Allen considered to be
ornaments in life.
3. Though James Allen was by birth an English man, he eschewed non-vegetarian food