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Accounts Quote by William James

“The self-same atoms which, chaotically dispersed, made the nebula, now, jammed and temporarily caught in peculiar positions, form our brains; and the 'evolution' of brains, if understood, would be simply the account of how the atoms came to be so caught and jammed.” quote by William James
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“The self-same atoms which, chaotically dispersed, made the nebula, now, jammed and temporarily caught in peculiar positions, form our brains; and the 'evolution' of brains, if understood, would be simply the account of how the atoms came to be so caught and jammed.”

William James

About This Quote

Source Book: The Principles of Psychology, 1890

Our brains are formed by atoms that once formed nebulae; understanding this explains consciousness.

In simple terms: Atoms forming nebulae later become brains, explaining consciousness.

Key Takeaway

Study the material basis of mind.

Themes

science philosophy consciousness atomism

Mood

curious reflective

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • education
  • science communication
  • meditation practice

Key Concepts

cosmology neuroscience metaphysics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view affect your sense of self?
  • What implications does it have for free will?
A Different Perspective

Complexity of brain origins can be overwhelming.

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