Effort is the one strictly undervalued and original contribution we make to this world.
William JamesSo far war has been the only force that can discipline a whole community, and until an equivalent discipline is organized, I believe that war must have its way.
William JamesWhat interest, zest, or excitement can there be in achieving the right way, unless we are enabled to feel that the wrong way is also a possible and a natural way, nay, more, a menacing and an imminent way? And what sense can there be in condemning ourselves for taking the wrong way, unless we need have done nothing of the sort, unless the right way was open to us as well? I cannot understand the willingness to act, no matter how we feel, without the belief that acts are really good and bad.
William James