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Single Idea 22659

[from 'The Sentiment of Rationality' by William James, in 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 1. Nature of Wisdom ]

Full Idea

Clearly it is often the part of wisdom to believe what one desires; for the belief is one of indispensable preliminary conditions of the realisation of its object.

Gist of Idea

It is wisdom to believe what you desire, because belief is needed to achieve it

Source

William James (The Sentiment of Rationality [1882], p.43)

Book Reference

James,William: 'Selected Writings of William James', ed/tr. Bird,Graham [Everyman 1995], p.43


A Reaction

Roughly, action is impossible without optimism about possible success. This may count as instinct, rather than 'wisdom'.