died 1910
William James was an American philosopher and psychologist, often regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the "Father of American psychology," he was a pioneer in the development of pragmatism and his work explored the realms of consciousness, free will, and the nature of belief.
A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices.
It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.
Lives based on having are less free than lives based either on doing or being.
Human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.
The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.
The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.
It is well for the world that in most of us, by the age of thirty, the character has set like plaster, and will never soften again.
If merely 'feeling good' could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience.
Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.
Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second.
If you want a quality, act as if you already had it.
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
The faculty of voluntarily bringing aback a wandering attention, over and over again, is the very root of the judgement, character, and will.