William James Quote: Our minds thus grow in spots; and like...

Our minds thus grow in spots; and like grease-spots, the spots spread. But we let them spread as little as possible: we keep unaltered as much of our old knowledge, as many of our old prejudices and beliefs, as we can. We patch and tinker more than we renew. The novelty soaks in; it stains the ancient mass; but it is also tinged by what absorbs it.

— William James

Source: Pragmatism - 1907

much knowledge patch tinged ancient

Select Quotes by William James

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 largest total universe of good which we can see.

— William James

Source: The Moral Philosopher and the Moral Life - 1897

Dead men tell no tales.

— William James

Source: The Moral Equivalent of War - 1906

Let any one try, I will not say to arrest, but to notice or attend to, the present moment of time. One of the most baffling experiences occurs. Where is it, this present? It has melted in our grasp, fled ere we could touch it, gone in the instant of becoming.

— William James

Source: Principles of Psychology - Chapter 15 - 1890