Why should we think upon things that are lovely? Because thinking

"Why should we think upon things that are lovely? Because thinking determines life. It is a common habit to blame life upon the environment. Environment modifies life but does not govern life. The soul is stronger than its surroundings." These words from the profound thinker William James carry within them a timeless truth that calls to us from the past, urging us to recognize the power within ourselves. In a world where we often feel helpless in the face of life's challenges, James reminds us that the mind, and more importantly, the soul, holds dominion over our destiny. It is not the environment, nor the circumstances of our birth, that determines the course of our life. It is our thoughts, our beliefs, and the strength of our inner being that shape the world we inhabit.

To understand this wisdom, we must first reflect upon the nature of thought itself. The mind is not a passive receiver of external stimuli; it is an active force, constantly shaping the way we perceive and respond to the world around us. When we choose to focus on beauty, grace, and the things that inspire us, we elevate ourselves. Our lives become filled with meaning and purpose, not because of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, but because of the way we choose to see those circumstances. This is the essence of James’s teaching: thought has the power to shape reality. It can uplift us or diminish us, depending on the direction we give it.

Consider, for instance, the life of the great Viktor Frankl, a man who survived the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. His body was imprisoned, but his mind and soul remained free. Frankl, as he endured unspeakable suffering, chose to focus on the meaning he could find within that suffering. His thoughts were not consumed by the cruelty of his environment, but by a higher purpose. He found strength in the knowledge that no one could take away his ability to choose his inner response to the circumstances. Through this choice, Frankl transcended the external conditions of his life, and his experiences in the camps formed the foundation of his life's work, which would later help millions find purpose in their own struggles. His story is a testament to the power of thought and the strength of the soul in shaping one’s destiny.

James’s wisdom also calls upon us to reflect on the power of positivity and the influence it wields over our lives. To think upon things that are lovely is not a frivolous pursuit. It is a conscious effort to direct our mental energy toward hope, gratitude, and joy, even in the face of adversity. When we dwell upon the loveliness of life—the beauty of a sunrise, the kindness of a stranger, the love of a friend—we build a mental landscape that fosters peace and contentment. By choosing to focus on the positive, we create a mind that is resilient, capable of facing hardship with grace, and able to find meaning even in the most difficult times.

Yet, James also teaches us that it is not enough to merely wish for a better life or to passively accept the world around us. He urges us to take responsibility for the way we engage with life. The environment—our external circumstances—certainly plays a role in shaping our experiences, but it is not the ultimate authority. The soul is stronger than its surroundings. This is a powerful reminder that we are not victims of fate or circumstances. We can choose how to respond to life's challenges, and in doing so, we transform our experience. The mighty river may carve its path through the landscape, but it is the mountain that stands steadfast, unmoved by the winds and rains that pass over it.

In our own lives, we must ask: What do we allow ourselves to dwell upon? Do we spend our time focused on complaints, regrets, and the harshness of the world, or do we choose to focus on the loveliness around us? The flowers that bloom, the kindness that we experience, the small moments of beauty that surround us every day—these are the things that give our lives meaning. Let us not wait for the world to change; let us change the way we see the world. By choosing to think upon the lovely, we invite peace into our hearts and strength into our souls.

The lesson from James’s words is clear: the mind is a powerful force. It shapes not just how we see the world, but how we experience it. By choosing to focus on love, beauty, and hope, we can transcend the limitations imposed upon us by our environment. Let us not be defined by the circumstances of our birth or the obstacles in our path. Let us be defined by the strength of our soul, and the power of our thoughts. When we claim dominion over our inner world, we find that we can shape our outer world in ways we never thought possible.