윌리엄 제임스
Psychologist and pragmatist philosopher who wrote on habit
1,168 records in all
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61 basic records of 407
Principles are our summary of their public statements.
Stability is not a static state but a result of continuous, rapid responses to small deviations and failures.
Supporting quotes
Steady rotation gives no sensation; it is only starting or stopping, or, more generally speaking, acceleration (positive or negative), which impresses the end-organs in the ampullæ.2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Complex systems cannot be understood through theory alone; one must engage with the material physically or practically to grasp its structure.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Information is processed and recalled differently depending on the user's current mood; joyous imagery fails to stick when someone is depressed.
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One should view even the most certain facts as temporary hypotheses that may change with new experience.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Decisions made purely through mechanical or mathematical logic often lack the internal conviction necessary for real success.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
One should value the pursuit of new truths more than the absolute avoidance of mistakes, as excessive caution prevents progress.
Supporting quotes
I live, to be sure, by the practical faith that we must go on experiencing and thinking over our experience, for only thus can our opinions grow more trueWe must know the truth_; and _we must avoid error_,--these are our first and great commandments as would-be knowers; but they are not two ways of stating an identical commandment, they are two separable laws.1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Some opportunities and truths only reveal themselves to those who are willing to act with a degree of initial trust or goodwill.
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Dupery for dupery, what proof is there that dupery through hope is so much worse than dupery through fear?2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Progress requires accepting certain fundamental realities as 'given' instead of wasting energy questioning their ultimate origin.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
A single phenomenon can be described in multiple ways, such as mechanical or aesthetic, without one invalidating the other.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
People perceive things as rational and logical simply because they are familiar with them; use custom to make new concepts feel fluent.
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The daily contemplation of phenomena juxtaposed in a certain order begets an acceptance of their connection, as absolute as the repose engendered by theoretic insight into their coherence.2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Originality requires being sensitive to evidence that points in a specific direction before absolute proof exists. Great initiatives start with a 'dumb conviction' that a particular notion can be made to work.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Believing in the possibility of an act increases the moral energy required to perform it, making the desired outcome more likely.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Judge ideas and definitions by the practical consequences they produce rather than the language used to describe them.
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While action is vital, one should also strive for an absolute unity where knowledge and action are integrated and mutually adequate.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
An obligation exists whenever a concrete person makes a claim or expresses a desire, regardless of abstract moral systems.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
When faced with conflicting choices, one should act to bring about the largest total amount of good that includes the most diverse ideals.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Avoid blaming vague 'market conditions' or 'trends' for outcomes when specific individual actions or decisions are the true drivers.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
To create a lasting impact or a 'great epoch,' actions must follow each other rapidly to maintain momentum and prevent the movement from cooling down.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
One cannot have everything at once; choosing one path necessarily means abandoning others. Success requires committing to one alternative and accepting the loss of the rest.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
A rational system should allow individual parts to maintain their identity while belonging to a continuous whole. Effective structures balance individuality with overall cohesion.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
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