Quotes By William James
If the grace of God miraculously operates, it probably operates through the subliminal door.
William James
Be willing to have it so. Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.
William James
The history of philosophy is to a great extent that of a certain clash of human temperaments.
William James
It is only by risking our persons from one hour to another that we live at all. And often enough our faith beforehand in an uncertified result is the only thing that makes the result come true.
William James
Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.
William James
We are all ready to be savage in some cause. The difference between a good man and a bad one is the choice of the cause.
William James
There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers.
William James
The god whom science recognizes must be a God of universal laws exclusively, a God who does a wholesale, not a retail business. He cannot accommodate his processes to the convenience of individuals.
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 discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.
William James
Many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.
William James
An act has no ethical quality whatever unless it be chosen out of several all equally possible.
William James
The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds.
William James
There is an organic affinity between joyousness and tenderness, and their companionship in the saintly life need in no way occasion surprise.
William James
To be conscious means not simply to be, but to be reported, known, to have awareness of one's being added to that being.
William James