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Educational Quote by William James

“An idea will infect another with its own emotional interest when they have become both associated together into any sort of a mental total.” quote by William James
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“An idea will infect another with its own emotional interest when they have become both associated together into any sort of a mental total.”

William James

About This Quote

Source Book: The Principles of Psychology, William James, 1890

Ideas spread when they become emotionally linked, forming a unified mental whole that influences others.

In simple terms: Ideas spread through emotional connection.

Key Takeaway

Link emotions to ideas to increase influence.

Themes

psychology influence emotion

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • marketing
  • education
  • storytelling
  • team building

Key Concepts

cognitive binding emotional contagion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you create emotional ties between ideas?
  • What risks arise when emotions dominate reasoning?
A Different Perspective

Emotional links can be fragile and may not always translate to action.

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