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Drunkenness Quote by William James

“If merely 'feeling good' could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience.” quote by William James
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“If merely 'feeling good' could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience.”

William James

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Will to Believe, 1896, Philosophy

If feeling good alone decided actions, drunkenness would be universally justified.

In simple terms: Relying only on feeling leads to absurd outcomes.

Key Takeaway

Balance feeling with reason.

Themes

philosophy ethics human nature decision making

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision making
  • ethical judgments
  • self‑control

Key Concepts

subjective experience rationality moral reasoning

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can feelings alone guide moral choices?
  • What role should reason play in decisions?
A Different Perspective

Ignores consequences of harmful behavior.

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