Desire Quote by William James
“Events are influenced by our very great desires.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology, 1890
Our deepest desires shape events, influencing outcomes and history.
In simple terms: Strong desires drive events.
Key Takeaway
Align desires with constructive goals.
Themes
motivation
determinism
human agency
Mood
analytical
inspirational
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal development
- social movements
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
behavioral science
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires are steering your life?
- How can you channel them positively?
A Different Perspective
Unexamined desires may cause harm.
![“There are a lot of photographers who have influenced me; some of the great ones, like Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, and [Alfred] Stieglitz. I draw from all of them. You're supposed to steal from the good ones.” quote by Leonard Nimoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d1a/leonard-nimoy-4535_draws_there-are-a-lot-of-photographers-who-hav_1267156.jpg)
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
