Pure experience is the name I gave to the immediate flux of life which furnishes the material to our later reflection with its conceptual categories. – William James
Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing. – William James
It is only by risking our persons from one hour to another that we live at all. And often enough our faith beforehand in an uncertified result is the only thing that makes the result come true. – William James
The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it. – William James
We have that illusion that we are deciding what to make a character do, in order to convey our message or something like that. But, at least in my experience, you are often more like a river-rafting guide whos been paid a bonus to purposely steer your clients into the roughest possible water. – George Saunders