Argument Quote by William James
“Many persons nowadays seem to think that any conclusion must be very scientific if the arguments in favor of it are derived from twitching of frogs' legs (especially if the frogs are decapitated) and that, on the other hand, any doctrine chiefly vouched for by the feelings of human beings (with heads on their shoulders) must be benighted and superstitious.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology by William James, 1890
The quote critiques reliance on superficial scientific experiments while dismissing human intuition, urging balance between empirical evidence and lived experience.
In simple terms: Don't overvalue tiny experiments or dismiss feelings; seek both.
Key Takeaway
Balance data with intuition.
Themes
science
intuition
philosophy
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical.
When to use this quote
- research design
- clinical practice
- policy making
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
empiricism
humanism
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we integrate rigorous data with human experience?
- When should intuition guide decisions?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on either side can lead to biased conclusions.
