. . . I do not see how it is possible that creatures in such different positions and with such different powers as human individuals are, should have exactly the same functions nor should we be expected to work out identical solutions. Each, from his peculiar angle of observation, takes in a certain sphere of fact and trouble, which each must deal with in a unique manner. |
. . . if we take the universe of "fitting," countless coats "fit" backs, and countless boots "fit" feet, on which they are not practically fitted; countless stones "fit" gaps in walls into which no one seeks to fit them actually. In the same way countless opinions "fit" realities, and countless truths are valid, tho' no thinker ever thinks them. |
'The true' is only the expedient in our way of thinking, just as 'the right' is only the expedient in the way of our behaving |
"Intellectualism" is the belief that our mind comes upon a world complete in itself, and has the duty of ascertaining its contents; but has no power of re-determining its character, for that is already given. |
[T]he sovereign voluntary path to cheerfulness, if our spontaneous cheerfulness be lost, is to sit up cheerfully, to look round cheerfully, and to act and speak as if cheerfulness were already there. |
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link, and life is after all a chain. |
A cowboy is a man with guts and a horse. |
A little cooling down of animal excitability and instinct, a little loss of animal toughness, a little irritable weakness and descent of the pain-threshold, will bring the worm at the core of all our usual springs of delight into full view, and turn us into melancholy metaphysicians. |
A man has as many social selves as there are individuals who recognize him. |
A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous and then dismissed as trivial, until finally, it becomes what everybody knows. |
A new position of responsibility will usually show a man to be a far stronger creature than was supposed. |
A rule of thinking which would absolutely prevent me from acknowledging certain kinds of truth if those . . . truths were really there, would be an irrational rule. |
Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune. |
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. |
Act in earnest and you will become earnest in all you do. |