Be Not Afraid of Life

A compelling collection of the life-changing writings of William James.

William James: psychologist, philosopher, and spiritual seeker—is one of those rare writers who can speak directly and powerfully to anyone about life's meaning and worth, and whose ideas change not only how people think but how they live. The thinker who helped found the philosophy of pragmatism and inspire Alcoholics Anonymous, James famously asked, 'is life worth living?' Bringing together many of his best and most popular essays, talks, and other writings, this anthology presents James's answer to that and other existential questions, in his own unique manner—caring, humorous, eloquent, incisive, humble, and forever on the trail of the 'ever not quite.'

Here we meet a James perfectly attuned to the concerns of today—one who argues for human freedom, articulates a healthy-minded psychology, urges us to explore the stream of consciousness, presents a new definition of truth based on its practical consequences, and never forecloses the possibility of mystical transcendence. Introduced by John Kaag and Jonathan van Belle, these compelling and accessible selections reveal why James is one of the great guides to the business of living.

'Want to get to know William James, America's most-beloved— and perhaps most widely influential—philosopher? This wonderful collection gives us James at his best—provocative, lyrical, inspirational. Whether you are meeting James in an easy chair, in a classroom, or on a "ramble," as James called the mountain hikes he loved, the encounter will leave you richly rewarded.' —James T. Kloppenberg, Harvard University

'A great collection that lets readers experience James's philosophy as epistemological tonic, moral orientation, and spiritual regeneration. The brief introductions to the individual selections are compelling and written in sparkling prose.' —Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen, author of The Ideas That Made America