Habit is thus the enormous fly-wheel of society, its most precious conservative agent. It alone is what keeps us all within the bounds of ordinance, and saves the children of fortune from the envious uprisings of the poor.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- James claims habit acts as society's conservative force, maintaining order and preventing upheaval.
- In plain terms
- Habit keeps society stable and prevents sudden change.
- What can you take from it?
- Habit preserves social order and prevents change.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is stability always good?
- How much change is needed?
Another view
Order can also prevent necessary progress.
More from William James
The concrete man has but one interest - to be right. That to him is the art of all arts, and all means are fair which help him to it.
Permalink to quote #13 There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.
Permalink to quote #15 Pretend what we may, the whole man within us is at work when we form our philosophical opinions. Intellect, will, taste, and passion co-operate just as they do…
Permalink to quote #12
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