Bottom Quote by William James
“The bottom of being is left logically opaque to us, a datum in the strict sense of the word, something we simply come upon and find, and about which (if we wish to act) we should pause and wonder as little as possible. In this confession lies the lasting truth of empiricism.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Will to Believe, 1897
Fundamental truths are opaque; we should act with minimal speculation, trusting empirical experience.
In simple terms: Truths are unclear; act with pragmatic humility.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty, act wisely.
Themes
empiricism
philosophy
uncertainty
Mood
thoughtful
academic
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- policy making
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
skepticism
pragmatism
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you accept without proof?
- When is hesitation justified?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on data can ignore moral nuance.
