Psychologist William James Quotes

Psychologist William James Quotes History and Biographies Print Psychologist William James Quotes Psychologist and Writer By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Updated on July 15, 2018 Archive Photos/Getty Images More in Psychology History and Biographies Psychotherapy Basics Student Resources Theories Phobias Emotions Sleep and Dreaming Psychologist and philosopher William James  (1842-1910) is often referred to as the father of American psychology. His landmark textbook, The Principles of Psychology, is considered a classic text and one of the most significant works in psychology history. In addition to his work as a teacher and researcher, James was also known as a writer of great eloquence. Wilhelm Wundt, who is called the founder of modern psychology, famously remarked that Jamess Principles was beautiful. Jamess own assessment of his ability was far less glowing. At one point he wrote, I have no facility for writing, as some people have. The following quotations offer insight into William Jamess beliefs, theories, and philosophy. On Thinking A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices. Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing. Compared to what we ought to be, we are half awake. The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook. Truth in our ideas means their power to work. From Pragmatism (1907) Truth happens to an idea. From Pragmatism (1907) If there is aught of good in the style, it is the result of ceaseless toil in rewriting. Everything comes out wrong with me at first; but when once objectified I can torture and poke and scrape and pat it till it offends me no more. What an awful trade that of professor isâ€"paid to talk, talk, talk! It would be an awful universe if everything could be converted into words, words, words. Philosophy is at once the most sublime and the most trivial of human pursuits. On Success, Failure, and Acceptance Be willing to have it so. Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune. Our errors are surely not such awfully solemn things. In a world where we are so certain to incur them in spite of all our caution, a certain lightness of heart seems healthier than this excessive nervousness on their behalf. It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome. There is but one cause of human failure. And that is mans lack of faith in his true Self. He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had tried and failed. All natural goods perish. Riches take wings; fame is a breath; love is a cheat; youth and health and pleasure vanish. On Human Nature Everybody should do at least two things each day that he hates to do, just for practice. How to gain, how to keep, how to recover happiness is in fact for most men at all times the secret motive of all they do, and of all they are willing to endure. If merely feeling good could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience. The best argument I know for an immortal life is the existence of a man who deserves one. 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. The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated.