If the topic be highly abstract, show its nature by concrete examples. If it be unfamiliar, trace some point of analogy in it with the known. If it be inhuman, make it figure as part of a story. If it be difficult, couple its acquisition with some prospect of personal gain. Above all things, make sure that it shall run through certain inner changes, since no unvarying object can possibly hold the mental field for long.
William JamesThe true is the name of whatever proves itself to be good in the way of belief, and good, too, for definite, assignable reasons.
William JamesThe function of ignoring, of inattention, is as vital a factor in mental progress as the function of attention itself.
William James