If merely 'feeling good' could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience.
Quotes With Meaning
If merely 'feeling good' could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience.
If merely 'feeling good' could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience.
This quote addresses the idea that positive feelings alone are not sufficient for determining the value of an experience. William James suggests that if feeling good was the sole criterion for validity, then states like drunkenness, which provide temporary pleasure, would be the pinnacle of human experience. However, this implies that deeper meanings and consequences must be considered beyond just momentary joy. Life experiences that contribute to genuine growth and understanding often involve discomfort and challenge. Thus, the pursuit of meaning should transcend fleeting highs. The takeaway is that true fulfillment often requires a broader perspective, emphasizing the importance of substance over superficiality.