Action Quote by William James
“Action seems to follow feeling, but really action and feeling go together; and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology, William James, 1890
Action and feeling are interlinked; controlling actions, which the will can directly influence, allows indirect regulation of emotions.
In simple terms: Control actions to shape feelings.
Key Takeaway
Use deliberate actions to influence emotions.
Themes
psychology
willpower
emotion regulation
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- stress management
- habit formation
- performance improvement
- self‑discipline
Key Concepts
cognitive control
mind-body connection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you design actions that foster desired feelings?
- What habits can you adjust to improve emotional wellbeing?
A Different Perspective
Emotions also affect actions, so regulation may need bidirectional approaches.
