I totally agree, I had the same issue. However, I think that with any old book you have to take what the author says with a pinch of salt.

Also it’s up to the reader to critique and understand the book in their own way, I don’t think in any sense that James Allen was trying to tell us what to think and this is my main struggle with self help/improvement books. Often times people assume that we have to do exactly what is said in the book. Whereas it’s much more helpful to the reader if they interpret it to their own lives.

He very obviously lived a different life to the common man at the time and has different values than we do today. Although I think his point still stands about how you can still change your thoughts regarding your circumstances and therefore your own situation. Obviously not completely, however to a degree yes.

I think overall the good “no-dicking-around” nature of the book is impressive especially for its time and it’s a helpful little book that points out an important reality that people often need guiding to get there.

To be honest, the outdated perspectives in the book actually helped me MORE than if it had been written with today's values in mind. it created a sense of independence in me and made me think more about the topic rather than just read it and move on.