Quotes from William James
There must be something solemn, serious, and tender about any attitude which we denominate religious. If glad, it must not grin or snicker; if sad, it must not scream or curse.
- William James
Objective evidence and certitude are doubtless very fine ideals to play with, but where on this moonlit and dream-visited planet are they found?
- William James
Psychology is a science, and teaching is an art; and sciences never generate arts directly out of themselves.
- William James
'Facts' are the bounds of human knowledge, set for it, not by it.
- William James
An act has no ethical quality whatever unless it be chosen out of several all equally possible.
- William James
Our esteem for facts has not neutralized in us all religiousness. It is itself almost religious. Our scientific temper is devout.
- William James
Habit is thus the enormous fly-wheel of society, its most precious conservative agent. It alone is what keeps us all within the bounds of ordinance.
- William James
Effort is a measure of a Man.
- William James
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.
- William James
The greatest weapon we have to combat stress is the ability to choose our thoughts.
- William James
Do something everyday for no other reason than you would rather not do it, so that when the hour of dire need draws nigh, it may find you not unnerved and untrained to stand the test.
- William James
If you want to change your life, do it flamboyantly and start immediately.
- William James