James Allen's literary essay and book As a Man Thinketh was originally published in 1903. The novel is written in terms of responsibility assumption, which is a doctrine that any person has complete responsibility for the events that happen to them. Every situation you are in is because of your choice, no other outside factors. Allen's novel takes this thought and acts as a guide for an individual to lead a more full and happy life, by using the power of thought to change one's life through a better attitude. Allen is quoted saying "The price of the book is only one shilling, and it can be carried in the pocket and that it is a book that will help you help yourself".