God Quote by William James
“On pragmatistic principles, if the hypothesis of God works satisfactorily in the widest sense of the word, it is true.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Will to Believe, William James, 1897
If a hypothesis about God works well across many contexts, it can be considered true.
In simple terms: A well‑functioning God hypothesis is likely true.
Key Takeaway
Assess ideas by practical success.
Themes
philosophy
religion
epistemology
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
pragmatic
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- scientific inquiry
- personal belief
- practical outcomes
- ethical implications
Key Concepts
pragmatism
truth criteria
faith
logic
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test a belief’s usefulness?
- Can practical success replace philosophical proof?
A Different Perspective
Pragmatic truth may ignore deeper metaphysical questions.
