"The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds."
"Actions seems to follow feeling, but really actions and feeling go together; and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling, which is not. Thus the sovereign voluntary path to cheerfulness, if our cheerfulness be lost, is to sit up cheerfully and to act and speak as if cheerfulness were already there."
18 likes
Source: William James (2008). “Talks to Teachers on Psychology: And to Students on Some of Life's Ideals”, p.108, Nuvision Pubns
About the author
Same author
More quotes by William James
"A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices."
"Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something. Soon it becomes a reality. Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results."
"The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated."
"Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is."
"Most unhappiness is caused because people listen to themselves... instead of talking to themselves."