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The 'through-and-through' universe seems to suffocate me with its infallible impeccable allpervasiveness. Its necessity, with no possibilities; its relations, with no subjects, make me feel as if I had entered into a contract with no reserved rights ... It seems too buttoned-up and white-chokered and clean-shaven a thing to speak for the vast slow-breathing unconscious Kosmos with its dread abysses and its unknown tides.

William James#8

PhilosophyLifeFreedomMysteryNecessityUniverse

About this quote

What does it mean?
A rigid, perfect universe feels suffocating compared to a mysterious one.
In plain terms
I prefer a world with unknown tides to a perfect, locked-up contract.
What can you take from it?
Embrace mystery over rigid order.

Where it applies

  • contemplation
  • science
  • art

Putting it to work

  • seek open questions
  • value uncertainty

Questions to consider

  • Do you need certainty?
  • Is mystery better?

Another view

Order provides safety that mystery lacks.

More from William James

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  3. Tell him to live by yes and no - yes to everything good, no to everything bad.

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