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Memories and Studies

by William James (1842–1910)

  • Free to read
  • 4 hours to read
  • 17 chapters
  • Reading level: 10th to 12th grade

"Memories and Studies" by William James is a collection of essays and addresses written in the early 20th century. The book presents reflections on various influential figures and topics from James's intellectual life, including prominent individuals in science and philosophy, as well as broader societal themes. It explores ideas related to character, education, and the moral implications of war, showcasing James's commitment to psychological insights and humanistic values. The opening of this work begins with a note from Henry James Jr., discussing the intentions behind the compilation, which aims to honor the late William James's legacy. The first essay focuses on the impact of Louis Agassiz, emphasizing his profound influence on natural history and education in America. The text illustrates Agassiz's passionate dedication to the study of nature, his innovative teaching methods, and the legacy he left in inspiring generations of naturalists. Overall, the beginning sets a reflective tone that intertwines personal anecdotes with philosophical considerations about life's challenges and intellectual pursuits.

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  • Essays
  • Speeches, addresses, etc.

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Chapter I: Louis Agassiz[1]

It would be unnatural to have such an assemblage as this meet in the Museum and Faculty Room of this University and yet have no public word spoken in honor of a name which must be silently present to the minds of all our visitors.

At some near future day, it is to be hoped some one of you who is well acquainted with Agassiz's scientific career will discourse here concerning it,—I could not now, even if I would, speak to you of that of which you have far more intimate knowledge than I. On this social occasion it has seemed that what Agassiz stood for in the way of character and influence is the more fitting thing to commemorate, and to that agreeable task I have been called. He made an impression that was unrivalled. He left a sort of popular myth—the Agassiz legend, as one might say—behind him in the air about us; and life comes kindlier to all of us, we get more recognition from the world, because we call ourselves naturalists,—and that was the class to which he also belonged.

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Contents

  1. Chapter I: Louis Agassiz[1]
  2. Chapter II: Address at the Emerson Centenary in Concord[1]
  3. Chapter III: Robert Gould Shaw[1]
  4. Chapter IV: Francis Boott[1]
  5. Chapter V: Thomas Davidson: A Knight-Errant of the Intellectual Life.[1]
  6. Chapter VI: Herbert Spencer's Autobiography[1]
  7. Chapter VII: Frederic Myers' Services to Psychology[1]
  8. Chapter VIII: Final Impressions of a Psychical Researcher[1]
  9. Chapter IX: On Some Mental Effects of the Earthquake[1]
  10. Chapter X: The Energies of Men[1]
  11. Chapter XI: The Moral Equivalent of War[1]
  12. Chapter XII: Remarks at the Peace Banquet[1]
  13. Chapter XIII: The Social Value of the College-Bred[1]
  14. Chapter XIV
  15. Chapter XV: A Pluralistic Mystic[1]
  16. Chapter I
  17. Chapter II

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About this edition

This free edition of Memories and Studies by William James comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #20768, released 2007-03-08. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Essays, Letters & Speeches, American Literature, Psychiatry/Psychology, Philosophy & Ethics.

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