Skip to content

Discipline Quote by James Allen

“Without self-discipline a man drifts lower and lower, approximating more and more nearly to the beast, until at last he grovels, a lost creature, in the mire of his own befoulment. By self-discipline a man rises higher and higher, approximating more and more nearly to the divine, until at last he…” quote by James Allen
Download Open image
““Without self-discipline a man drifts lower and lower, approximating more and more nearly to the beast, until at last he grovels, a lost creature, in the mire of his own befoulment. By self-discipline a man rises higher and higher, approximating more and more nearly to the divine, until at last he stands erect in his divine dignity, a saved soul, glorified by the radiance of his purity. Let a man discipline himself, and he will live; let a man cease to discipline himself, and he will perish.””

James Allen

About This Quote

Source Book: As a Man Thinketh, 1903

Self‑discipline lifts a person toward higher moral and spiritual levels, while its absence leads to degradation and loss.

In simple terms: Discipline builds character; lack of it leads to decline.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate self‑discipline to grow.

Themes

self‑discipline morality spiritual growth

Mood

inspirational serious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • personal health
  • relationships

Key Concepts

personal development ethics self‑control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you embed discipline into daily routines?
  • What supports help sustain self‑control?
A Different Perspective

Discipline alone may not guarantee success without external support.

4.1 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by James Allen

Explore all 220 James Allen quotes

More Discipline quotes

Browse all 5,565 Discipline quotes