William James Quotes

Faith means belief in something concerning which d... -William James

Faith means belief in something concerning which doubt is theoretically possible.

Truth lives, in fact, for the most part on a credit system. Our thoughts and beliefs pass, so long as nothing challenges them, just as bank-notes pass so long as nobody refuses them.

To change ones life: Start immediately. Do it flam... -William James

To change ones life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly.

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.

Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.

If you believe that feeling bad or worrying long enough will change a past or future event, then you are residing on another planet with a different reality system.

Those thoughts are truth which guide us to beneficial interaction with sensible particulars as they occur, whether they copy these in advance or not.

Individuality is founded in feeling; and the recesses of feeling, the darker, blinder strata of character, are the only places in the world in which we catch real fact in the making, and directly perceive how events happen, and how work is actually done.

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what t... -William James

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.

To study the abnormal is the best way of understan... -William James

To study the abnormal is the best way of understanding the normal.

Discovering the context

This quote suggests that by studying and comprehending abnormal or atypical cases, one can gain deeper insights and understanding of typical or normal situations. It implies that understanding the extremes of a phenomenon can provide valuable insights into the regular patterns and behaviors that define the norm.

The ideas gained by men before they are twenty-five are practically the only ideas they shall have in their lives.

It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.

Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.

Discovering the context

This quote encourages individuals to start embodying the qualities or characteristics they aspire to possess in the future. It suggests that personal growth and development should be initiated in the present to shape one's future self.