Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life

Sick Souls, Healthy Minds is an absorbing introduction to William James' life and thought that shows why the founder of pragmatism and empirical psychology can still speak directly and profoundly to anyone struggling to make a life worth living.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

From the author of American Philosophy: A Love Story, a compelling introduction to the life-affirming philosophy of William James. In 1895, William James, the father of American philosophy, delivered a lecture entitled "Is Life Worth Living?" It was no theoretical question for James, who had contemplated suicide during an existential crisis as a young man a quarter century earlier. Indeed, as John Kaag writes, "James's entire philosophy, from beginning to end, was geared to save a life, his life"—and that's why it just might be able to save yours, too.

Sick Souls, Healthy Minds is an absorbing introduction to James's life and thought that shows why the founder of pragmatism and empirical psychology can still speak so directly and profoundly to anyone struggling to make a life worth living.

James was born in 1842 in Boston, Massachusetts, to a prominent family. He was a brilliant student, but his early life was marked by tragedy. His father died when he was just nine years old, and his mother became ill and died when he was 16. These experiences left James with a deep sense of sadness and uncertainty about the meaning of life.

Despite these challenges, James was determined to make a positive impact on the world. He studied philosophy at Harvard University, where he was influenced by the ideas of John Locke and Immanuel Kant. James became a professor of philosophy at Harvard, where he taught for over 30 years.

During his career, James wrote numerous books on philosophy, including The Principles of Psychology (1890), The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902), and Pragmatism (1907). He was also a prominent figure in the American philosophical community, and he played a key role in shaping the development of pragmatism and empirical psychology.

James's philosophy was rooted in the belief that the meaning of life is something that we must discover for ourselves. He believed that we should not rely on traditional religious or philosophical beliefs, but instead should seek out experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment. James also believed that we should be open to new ideas and experiences, and that we should be willing to change our beliefs and attitudes as we learn more about the world.

One of James's most famous ideas was the idea of pragmatism. Pragmatism is a philosophy that emphasizes the practical consequences of our beliefs and actions. James believed that the only way to determine whether a belief or action is right or wrong is to consider its practical consequences. He argued that we should not judge a belief or action based on its theoretical implications, but instead on its practical effects.

James's philosophy was also deeply influenced by his experiences with depression and anxiety. He had contemplated suicide during an existential crisis as a young man, and these experiences left him with a deep understanding of the human condition. James believed that we should not be afraid of suffering, but instead should embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

In conclusion, Sick Souls, Healthy Minds is an essential introduction to the life and thought of William James. It shows why the founder of pragmatism and empirical psychology can still speak so directly and profoundly to anyone struggling to make a life worth living. James's philosophy is rooted in the belief that the meaning of life is something that we must discover for ourselves, and that we should be open to new ideas and experiences. His pragmatism emphasizes the practical consequences of our beliefs and actions, and his experiences with depression and anxiety left him with a deep understanding of the human condition. If you are struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life, I highly recommend reading this book.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 202 x 133 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691216713