"The 'I think' which Kant said must be able to accompany all my objects, is the 'I breathe' which actually does accompany them"
- William James
About this Quote
William James is recommending that the "I believe" which Kant stated have to be able to come with all my objects is actually the "I breathe" which does accompany them. This is a fascinating comparison as Kant's "I assume" is a philosophical concept, while "I take a breath" is a physical action. James is suggesting that the physical action of breathing is a metaphor for the thoughtful concept of thinking. He is implying that the act of breathing is a suggestion of the importance of reasoning, and that it is something that must accompany all of our activities. By making this contrast, James is emphasizing the value of thinking and just how it should belong of our daily lives. He is additionally recommending that the physical act of breathing is a suggestion of the relevance of reasoning, and that it should be something that we do knowingly. This way, James is highlighting the significance of reasoning and also exactly how it must belong of our everyday lives.
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