Kant Had it Backwards

“‎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

I have long thought that Kant had it wrong when he said “I think, therefore I am.” Sometime not long after my Intro to Philosophy course at Hobart College I started think that it was the other way ’round – that we are, therefore we think.

I much prefer the implications of our beingness coming from something other than thought, like a timeless, effortless Source:

I am, therefore I think.

Similar Posts

  • The Necessity of Nature

    Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit. – Edward Abbey You are not made of metal or plastic. You are made of nature. You must regularly, and consciously, return to nature to renew your connection to what you are. Nurture your spirit with what it is – be in nature.

  • Even If You Did Half

    If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astonish ourselves. – Thomas Edison Yeah, doing everything you’re capable of would blow your doors off, but to even contemplate such is massive. Instead, just attempt half, or a quarter, or even an eighth of what you think you are capable of….

  • Just Do What You Can

    Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. – Theodore Roosevelt The best, and often hardest, thing to do is just to start: where you are; with what you have; now. Your choice is to do your best now or what until things are “just right” or “perfect.” They will never be…

  • Real Independence

    To find yourself, think for yourself. – Socrates Putting aside the powerful notion that one does not find themselves, but rather creates themselves, let’s take what we can from Socrates words. If you keep using and thinking other people’s words, you will be living as a imitator, never really knowing who you are. As July…