Feeling Quote by William James
““We ought to say a feeling of and, a feeling of if, a feeling of but, and a feeling of by, quite as readily as we say a feeling of blue or a feeling of cold.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology, William James, 1890
James argues that emotions are cognitive judgments about situations, not just raw sensations.
In simple terms: Emotions are thoughts about what could happen.
Key Takeaway
Recognize thoughts behind feelings.
Themes
psychology
emotion
cognition
philosophy
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- therapy
- creative writing
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
cognitive appraisal
affect theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you label complex feelings?
- Can you separate thought from feeling?
A Different Perspective
Emotions also involve bodily responses that can’t be reduced to pure thought.
