Along the highways of Burma there is placed, at regular distances away from the dust of the road, and under the cool shade of a group of trees, a small wooden building called a “rest-house”, where the weary traveller may rest a while, and allay his thirst and assuage his hunger and fatigue by partaking of the food and water which the kindly inhabitants place there as a religious duty. Along the great highway of life there are such resting places; away from the heat of passion and the dust of disappointment, under the cool and refreshing shade of lowly Wisdom, are the humble, unimposing “rest-houses” of peace, and the little, almost unnoticed, byways of blessedness, where alone the weary and footsore can find strength and healing. Nor can these byways be ignored without suffering. Along the great road of life, hurrying, and eager to reach some illusive goal, presses the multitude, despising the apparently insignificant “rest-houses” of true thought, not heeding the narrow little byways of blessed action, which they regard as unimportant; and hour by hour men are fainting and falling, and numbers that cannot be counted perish of heart-hunger, heart-thirst, and heart-fatigue. But he who will step aside from the passionate press, and will deign to notice and to enter the byways which are here presented, his dusty feet shall press the incomparable flowers of blessedness, his eyes be gladdened with their beauty, and his mind refreshed with their sweet perfume. Rested and sustained, he will escape the fever and the delirium of life, and, strong and happy, he will not fall fainting in the dust, nor perish by the way, but will successfully accomplish his journey. This version of the classic book includes a biography about the life and times of James Allen.

Along the highways of Burma there is placed, at regular distances away from the dust of the road, and under the cool shade of a group of trees, a small wooden building called a "rest-house," where the weary traveller may rest a while, and allay his thirst and assuage his hunger and fatigue by partaking of the food and water which the kindly inhabitants place there as a religious duty. Along the great highway of life there are such resting places; away from the heat of passion and the dust of disappointment, under the cool and refreshing shade of lowly Wisdom, are the humble, unimposing "rest-houses" of peace, and the little, almost unnoticed, byways of blessedness, where alone the weary and footsore can find strength and healing. Nor can these byways be ignored without suffering. Along the great road of life, hurrying, and eager to reach some illusive goal, presses the multitude, despising the apparently insignificant "rest-houses" of true thought, not heeding the narrow little byways of blessed action, which they regard as unimportant; and hour by hour men are fainting and falling, and numbers that cannot be counted perish of heart-hunger, heart-thirst, and heart-fatigue. But he who will step aside from the passionate press, and will deign to notice and to enter the byways which are here presented, his dusty feet shall press the incomparable flowers of blessedness, his eyes be gladdened with their beauty, and his mind refreshed with their sweet perfume. Rested and sustained, he will escape the fever and the delirium of life, and, strong and happy, he will not fall fainting in the dust, nor perish by the way, but will successfully accomplish his journey. This version of the classic book includes a biography about the life and times of James Allen.

The yearly devotionals of James Allen are collected here with a biography about the life and times of Allen.

Allen's books illustrate the power of one’s thoughts to change and improve human achievement. While Allen did not achieve fame or wealth during his lifetime, the value of his books has continued to influence people the world over. How a Man Thinketh is now considered a classic work on personal self-improvement. In his works, Allen expounds on the concept of a simple life filled with noble intentions. Contents: From Poverty to Power As A Man Thinketh All These Things Added Through the Gates of Good or Christ and Conduct Byways to Blessedness Out From The Heart Poems of peace; including the lyrical dramatic poem Eolaus The Life Triumphant - Mastering the Heart And Mind Morning And Evening Thoughts The Mastery of Destiny Above Life's Turmoil From Passion to Peace Eight Pillars of Prosperity Man-King of Mind, Body and Circumstance Light on Life's Difficulties Foundation Stones to Happiness and Success James Allen's book of meditations for Every Day in the Year Men And Systems The Shining Gateway The Divine Companion

This Story goes into great detail explaining how selfishness impedes our spiritual growth. James Allen really was ahead of his time. It is now on my al-time favorites list right next to the road less traveled and the art of war.