"Young men of this class never do anything for themselves that they can get other people to do for them, and it is the infatuation, the devotion, the superstition of others that keeps them going. These others in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred are women."

Action

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on action by Henry James resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in action is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Henry James

Henry James was an American-British author. He is regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, and is considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the English language. He was the son of theologian Henry James Sr. and the brother of philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Henry James

"Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind."

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"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."

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More about Action

"“We are always doing,” says he, “something for Posterity, but I would fain see Posterity do something for us.”"

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"To question with sincerity is the first step toward dismantling dogma. Reflect upon this whenever doubt clouds your horizon."

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"There is only one thing that a man really wants to do, all his life and that is, to find his way to his God, his Morning Star, salute his fellow man, and enjoy the woman who has come the long way with him."

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