Cognitive dissonance Quote by William James
““We need only in cold blood ACT as if the thing in question were real, and keep acting as if it were real, and it will infallibly end by growing into such a connection with our life that it will become real.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology, 1890
Acting as if something is real can make it become real, suggesting that belief and behavior shape reality through sustained effort.
In simple terms: Pretend it’s real, and it can become real.
Key Takeaway
Practice imagined reality to achieve goals.
Themes
belief
behavior
reality
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- goal setting
- visualization
- habit formation
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
self‑efficacy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it helpful to act as if something is real?
- How do you balance imagination with practicality?
A Different Perspective
May lead to denial of actual constraints.
![“Dallas Willard explains: The world has succeeded in opposing intelligence to goodness. . . . And today any attempt to combine spirituality or moral purity with great intelligence causes widespread pangs of “cognitive dissonance.” [As with Jesus,] Mother Teresa . . . is thought of as . . . nice, of…” quote by Jared C. Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/55b/jared-c-wilson-16055_cognitive-dissonance_dallas-willard-explains-the-world-has-su_387854.jpg)
