Ifs Quote by William James
“If it works, it's true.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Pragmatism, 1907
Truth is validated by practical effectiveness; if an idea works, it is considered true.
In simple terms: If it works, it is true.
Key Takeaway
Test ideas by their outcomes.
Themes
philosophy
pragmatism
truth
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- science
- policy making
- product design
- problem solving
Key Concepts
epistemology
utility
experiment
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria beyond utility define truth?
- When might a successful method be misleading?
A Different Perspective
Practical success doesn’t guarantee universal truth.
