Every man Quote by Henry James
““The will, I believe, is the mystery of mysteries. Who can say beforehand that his will is strong? There are all kinds of indefinable currents moving to and fro between one's will and one's inclinations. People talk as if the two things were essentially distinct; on different sides of one's organism, like the heart and the liver. I believe there is a certain group of circumstances possible for every man, in which his will is destined to snap like a dry twig.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Ambassadors by Henry James, 1903
The quote explores the unpredictable nature of human will, suggesting it is shaped by hidden forces and can break under pressure.
In simple terms: Will is mysterious and can fail under stress.
Recognize hidden influences on your resolve.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- making decisions
- facing moral dilemmas
- stressful negotiations
- personal growth
- creative work
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden forces affect your decisions?
- How can you strengthen resolve under pressure?
Will may be overridden by subconscious drives or external pressures.