Empiricism Quote by William James
““It matters not to an empiricist from what quarter an hypothesis may come to him: he may have acquired it by fair means or by foul; passion may have whispered or accident suggested it; but if the total drift of thinking continues to confirm it, that is what he means by its being true.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Pragmatism, William James, 1907
Truth is judged by its practical consequences; if an idea consistently works, we treat it as true.
In simple terms: Ideas that work are considered true.
Key Takeaway
Test ideas by results.
Themes
philosophy
empiricism
truth
pragmatism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- daily decision making
- problem solving
- education
Key Concepts
conceptual analysis
scientific method
validation
Questions to Reflect On
- What practical outcomes do you expect from this belief?
- When has a “true” idea failed you?
A Different Perspective
True usefulness may be temporary; future evidence can overturn it.
