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About this quote

What does it mean?
Higher ideals challenge existing norms and drive future change rather than simply reflecting past experiences.
In plain terms
Big ideas often push for new futures instead of just copying the past.
What can you take from it?
Embrace ideals that inspire change and future possibilities.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • social change
  • innovation

Putting it to work

  • adopt challenging goals
  • question status quo

Questions to consider

  • What ideals drive your future?
  • How do your ideals differ from the past?

Another view

Not all new ideals lead to positive outcomes.

More from William James

  1. Man's chief difference from the brutes lies in the exuberant excess of his subjective propensities - his preeminence over them simply and solely in the number …

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  2. There is but one unconditional commandment, which is that we should seek incessantly, with fear and trembling, so to vote and to act as to bring about the very…

    Permalink to quote #45
  3. Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.

    Permalink to quote #42

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