Light on Lifes Difficulties James Allen – Light on Lifes Difficulties is a 1912 self-help book by British writer James Allen. Within it, Allen explores the nature and origin of day-to-day problems, offering advice and insight on how to overcome difficulties and live a happier life. James Allen (18641912) was a British writer most famous for his inspirational poetry and being an early leader of the self-help movement. As a Man Thinketh (1903), his best known work, has been a significant source of inspiration for many self-help authors. Allen’s 1908 book The Life Triumphant concentrates on mastering one’s mind and desires in order to live a happier and more successful life, focusing on the ideas of right thinking and self-control. Contents include: The Light that Leads to Perfect Peace, Light on Facts and Hypotheses, Light on the Law of Cause and Effect in Human Life, Light on Values Spiritual and Material, Light on the Sense of Proportion, Light on Adherence to Principle, Light on the Sacrifice of the Self, Light on the Management of the Mind, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.When a man enters a dark room he is not sure of his movements, he cannot see objects around him, or properly locate them, and is liable to hurt himself by coming into sudden contact with them. But let a light be introduced, and immediately all confusion disappears. Every object is seen, and there is no danger of being hurt. To the majority, life is such a dark room, and their frequent hurts-their disappointments, perplexities, sorrows and pains-are caused by sudden contact with principles which they do not see, and are therefore not prepared to deal with. But when the light of wisdom is introduced into the darkened understanding, confusion vanishes, difficulties are dissolved, all things are seen in their true place and proportion, and henceforth the man walks open-eyed and unhurt, in the clear light of wise
About the author
Allen was 15 when his father, a businessman, was robbed and murdered. He left school to work full-time in several British manufacturing firms to help support the family. He later married Lily L. Allen and became an executive secretary for a large company. At age 38, inspired by the writings of Leo Tolstoy, he retired from employment. Allen along with his wife and their daughter, Nohra moved to a small cottage in Ilfracombe, Devon, England to pursue a simple life of contemplation. There he wrote for nine years, producing 19 works. He also edited and published a magazine, ‘The Light of Reason’.Allen’s books illustrate the use of the power of thought to increase personal capabilities. Although he never achieved great fame or wealth, his works continue to influence people around the world, including the New Thought movement.Allen’s most famous book, As a Man Thinketh, was published in 1902. It is now considered a classic self-help book. Its underlying premise is that noble thoughts make a noble person, while lowly thoughts make a miserable person.Following his death in 1912, his wife continued publishing the magazine under the name, ‘The Epoch’.