Every time a resolve or fine glow of feeling evaporates without bearing fruit, it is worse than a chance lost; it works to hinder future emotions from taking the normal path of discharge. – William James
Those thoughts are truth which guide us to beneficial interaction with sensible particulars as they occur, whether they copy these in advance or not. – William James
If merely feeling good could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience. – William James
Action may not bring happiness but there is no happiness without action. – William James
Only the explorer of steep and narrow trails inaccessible to cattle makes acquaintance with flowers in a grazing country. The large scale of all the physical features of California tends to monotony of vegetable life. The same trees cover miles of country. Only those who climb find variety. – Isabella G. Oakley, “Santa Barbara of Today,” in Sunset, May 1904