Full Idea
A belief has just three properties: first, it is something that we are aware of; second, it appeases the irritation of doubt; and, third, it involves the establishment in our nature of a rule of action, or, say for short, a habit.
Gist of Idea
We are aware of beliefs, they appease our doubts, and they are rules of action, or habits
Source
Charles Sanders Peirce (How to Make our Ideas Clear [1878], p.28)
Book Reference
Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.28
A Reaction
Peirce probably believed that Bismarck breathed oxygen, but was unaware of his belief, and no one ever dreamed of acting on such a belief, unless Bismarck was gasping for air.