What interest, zest, or excitement can there be in achieving the right way, unless we are enabled to feel that the wrong way is also a possible and a natural way, - nay, more, a menacing and an imminent way? And what sense can there be in condemning ourselves for taking the wrong way, unless we need have done nothing of the sort, unless the right way was open to us as well? I cannot understand the willingness to act, no matter how we feel, without the belief that acts are really good and bad.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Meaningful action requires the belief that both right and wrong paths are real possibilities, and that we have the freedom to choose between them.
- In plain terms
- You need to believe you can choose right or wrong for action to matter.
- What can you take from it?
- Believe that you have the freedom to choose between right and wrong paths.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you feel free to choose?
- Does morality require free will?
Another view
Determinists might argue that choices are constrained by factors beyond our control.
More from William James
All our scientific and philosophic ideals are altars to unknown gods.
Permalink to quote #1 The most any one can do is to confess as candidly as he can the grounds for the faith that is in him, and leave his example to work on others as it may.
Permalink to quote #3 There is but one indefectibly certain truth, and that is the truth that pyrrhonistic scepticism itself leaves standing, - the truth that the present phenomenon…
Permalink to quote #4
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