Accidents Quote by William James
“As Charles Lamb says, there is nothing so nice as doing good by stealth and being found out by accident, so I now say it is even nicer to make heroic decisions and to be prevented by 'circumstances beyond your control' from ever trying to execute them.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays of Elia, 1823
Acting heroically is rewarding, but being thwarted by fate can feel even more satisfying.
In simple terms: Heroic deeds are nice; being stopped by fate feels nicer.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the unexpected limits.
Themes
heroism
fate
unexpected outcomes
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal ambition
- ethical dilemmas
- creative projects
- political activism
Key Concepts
Stoicism
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value the effort or the outcome more?
- How do you cope when plans are blocked?
A Different Perspective
Success may depend on external factors beyond control.
