William James, born on January 11, 1842, in New York City, USA, was a pioneering American philosopher and psychologist. Often called the “Father of American psychology,” he founded the philosophical school of pragmatism and authored influential works like “The Principles of Psychology” and “The Varieties of Religious Experience.” His career highlights include groundbreaking studies on human consciousness, emotion, and belief, which shaped modern psychology and philosophy. James’s ideas continue to inspire discussions on personal growth and mental health. The quotes here are sourced from his books, essays, and lectures, as he lived in an era without social media or recorded interviews. This list features 15 insightful quotes by William James about life, drawn from his timeless writings, offering wisdom on living meaningfully.
15 William James Quotes
1. “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” (Book, “The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy,” 1897)
2. “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” (Book, “Talks to Teachers on Psychology,” 1899)
3. “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” (Book, “The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy,” 1897)
4. “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” (Book, “The Principles of Psychology,” 1890)
5. “Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.” (Book, “The Principles of Psychology,” 1890)
6. “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.” (Book, “The Principles of Psychology,” 1890)
7. “Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.” (Book, “The Principles of Psychology,” 1890)
8. “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” (Book, “The Principles of Psychology,” 1890)
9. “Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” (Book, “The Varieties of Religious Experience,” 1902)
10. “The world is all the richer for having a devil in it, so long as we keep our foot upon his neck.” (Book, “The Varieties of Religious Experience,” 1902)
11. “Life is in the transitions as much as in the terms connected.” (Book, “The Principles of Psychology,” 1890)
12. “The essence of genius is to know what to overlook.” (Book, “The Principles of Psychology,” 1890)
13. “We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh.” (Book, “The Principles of Psychology,” 1890)
14. “The aim of a college education is to teach you to know a good man when you see one.” (Lecture, “The Social Value of the College-Bred,” 1908)
15. “Success or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities.” (Book, “Talks to Teachers on Psychology,” 1899)
These quotes from William James reflect his deep insight into how attitudes, actions, and beliefs shape our experience of life, emphasizing personal agency and the power of mindset in overcoming challenges. They showcase his pragmatic philosophy, encouraging a proactive approach to living fully. What do these words mean to you? Share your favorite quote or how it has influenced your life in the comments below.