Absurd Quote by William James
“If you say that this is absurd, that we cannot be in love with everyone at once, I merely point out to you that, as a matter of fact, certain persons do exist with an enormous capacity for friendship and for taking delight in other people's lives; and that such person know more of truth than if their hearts were not so big. The vice of ordinary Jack and Jill affection is not its intensity, but its exclusions and its jealousies. Leave those out, and you see that the ideal I am holding up before you, however impracticable to-day, yet contains nothing intrinsically absurd.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology by William James, 1890
True friendship transcends exclusive, jealous love; it embraces many people, expanding truth and joy without contradiction.
In simple terms: Friendship can be broad and truthful without being absurd.
Key Takeaway
Value inclusive love over possessive affection.
Themes
friendship
love
inclusivity
truth
joy
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- community building
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you cultivate broader affection without neglecting close bonds?
- What limits your capacity for inclusive love?
A Different Perspective
Such expansive love may be idealized and hard to practice in a world of limited time and resources.
