“Since belief is measured by action, he who forbids us to believe religion to be true, necessarily also forbids us to act as we should if we did believe it to be true. The whole defence of religious faith hinges upon action. If the action required or inspired by the religious hypothesis is in no way different from that dictated by the naturalistic hypothesis, then religious faith is a pure superfluity, better pruned away, and controversy about its legitimacy is a piece of idle trifling, unworthy of serious minds. I myself believe, of course, that the religious hypothesis gives to the world an expression which specifically determines our reactions, and makes them in a large part unlike what they might be on a purely naturalistic scheme of belief.”

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About William James

American philosopher and psychologist

William James was an American philosopher and psychologist. He lived in the late 19th century and is often called the father of American psychology. He has 152 quotes on the site. He was the first educator to teach a psychology course in the United States. James is regarded as one of the leading thinkers of his time and as one of the most influential philosophers. His work helped shape the study of psychology in America.

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Books by William James

The Varieties of Religious Experience

1902

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Pluralistic Universe

1909

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