William James Quotations

Although a doctor by qualification, William James is a well-known philosopher. He wrote extensively on psychology, including the voluminous Principles of Psychology. William James conducted research in epistemology as well as the philosophy of religion. He inspires us to keep the curious mind alive and never stop asking questions. These William James quotations will give you some food for thought.
Leadership
A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.

Imagination
An idea, to be suggestive, must come to the individual with the force of revelation.

Funny
Habit is second nature, or rather, ten times nature.

Opportunities
He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had failed.

Life
The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.

Happiness
We do not sing because we are happy, we are happy because we sing.

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Friedrich Nietzsche Quotes

Think "existentialism", and you cannot get away from the name of Friedrich Nietzsche. This great German philosopher of the nineteenth century has written prolifically on a wide variety of subjects. Begin with some Friedrich Nietzsche quotes if you want to understand some of his ideas.

Joy
Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!

Determination
He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.

Ambition
He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.

Music
In music the passions enjoy themselves.

Business
On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.

Ability
What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

Life
Without music, life would be a mistake.

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Socrates Quotes

Socrates is synonymous with philosophy. One of the earliest known philosophers, Socrates laid the foundation for Western philosophy. Unfortunately, Socrates did not publish his philosophy. So most of the information about Socrates is gathered from Plato's writings. You will discover gems of wisdom in these quotes of Socrates, the enigmatic philosopher.
Desire
Be as you wish to seem.

Writing
Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.

Character
He is the richest who is content with the least.

Action
Let him who would move the world first move himself.

Power
Let him who would move the world, first move himself.

Integrity
Nothing can harm a good man, either in life or after death.

Famous People
The nearest way to glory is to strive to be what you wish to be thought to be.

Life
The unexamined life is not worth living

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Confucius Quotes

Chinese history is incomplete without the mention of Confucius. As a thinker, philosopher, and teacher, Confucius expounded his views on social behavior and ethics. His wise words inspire us to enjoy life.
Problem Solving
A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake.

Wisdom
Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.

Integrity
Five things constitute perfect virtue: gravity, magnanimity, earnestness, sincerity and kindness.

Friendship
Have no friends not equal to yourself.

Thought
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.

Work
Look for an occupation that you like, and you will not need to labor for a single day in your life.

Overcoming Failure
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Knowledge
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.

Integrity
Virtue is never left to stand alone. He who has it will have neighbors.

Enthusiasm
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

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Quotes of Plato

Plato's contribution to the study of philosophy has been invaluable. Without Plato, much of modern philosophy would have been impossible. His teacher, Socrates, influenced Plato's thinking. You can sense the genius in these quotes of Plato.
Attitude
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.

Courage
Courage is knowing what not to fear.

Ability
Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.

Beginning
The beginning is the most important part of the work.

Character
The most virtuous are those who content themselves with being virtuous without seeking to appear so.

Belief
We are twice armed if we fight with faith.

Dreams
Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher; and philosophy begins in wonder.

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