Assuming Quote by William James
“The first thing to learn in intercourse with others is non-interference with their own particular ways of being happy, provided those ways do not assume to interfere by violence with ours.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology, 1890
Respect others' happiness as long as it doesn't involve violence toward you.
In simple terms: Respect non‑violent happiness of others.
Honor others' peaceful joy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- community living
- conflict resolution
- social policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal peace with societal injustice?
- When is non‑interference insufficient?
May ignore deeper systemic harms beyond direct violence.