Importance Quote by William James
“When a thing is new, people say: ‘It is not true.’ Later, when its truth becomes obvious, they say: ‘It is not important.’ Finally, when its importance cannot be denied, they say: ‘Anyway, it is not new.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Will to Believe, 1897
New ideas are first dismissed, then undervalued, and finally accepted as essential once their impact is undeniable.
In simple terms: New ideas face skepticism before acceptance.
Key Takeaway
Persist despite early criticism.
Themes
skepticism
ideas
acceptance
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- technology adoption
- scientific breakthroughs
- cultural trends
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
social proof
paradigm shift
Questions to Reflect On
- What ideas have you dismissed too quickly?
- How do you recognize lasting importance?
A Different Perspective
Resistance may persist even after acceptance.
