"To study the abnormal is the best way of understanding the normal"
- William James
About this Quote
This quote by William James recommends that in order to gain a better understanding of the regular, one ought to study the abnormal. This indicates that the irregular can offer insight into the typical, which by studying the abnormal, one can gain a better understanding of the regular. This idea is based upon the principle that the unusual can supply a contrast to the normal, which by studying the distinctions between the two, one can gain a much better understanding of the typical. This quote also recommends that the irregular can supply a special point of view on the typical, which by studying the abnormal, one can acquire a better understanding of the regular. This quote encourages us to look beyond the normal and to check out the irregular in order to get a better understanding of the typical.
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