Deliberation Quote by William James
“There is a stream, a succession of states, or waves, or fields (or whatever you please to call them), of knowledge, of feeling, of desire, of deliberation, etc., that constantly pass and repass, and that constitute our inner life.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology by William James, 1890
Our inner experience is a continuous flow of mental events that shape our sense of self.
In simple terms: Mind is a flowing stream of thoughts and feelings.
Observe and accept the ever‑changing mental landscape.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditation
- therapy
- creative writing
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing mental flow affect self‑knowledge?
- What practices help navigate rapid mental changes?
The flow can be chaotic, making focus difficult.