Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

William James was born in New York City on January 11, 1842, into a prosperous and intellectually vital family, in which philosophical conversation was part of everyday life. James's father, Henry James, Sr., was a person with metaphysical and religious interests. A devoted follower of the mystical philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg, he published a number of books on theological topics. The James family had many distinguished friends, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, whose visits further enriched intellectual life in the household. James and his siblings (including his brother, the distinguished novelist Henry James, Jr.) were educated at home, and their formal training was enhanced by frequent family trips to Europe. James began his search for a career when he was 18. Following an interest in art, he studied painting with the well-known American artist, William Hunt. He soon discovered that he did not have the aptitude that he had hoped for, and gave up his early aspirations to an artistic career. Although he did not go on to become a painter, James's acute aesthetic sensibility is evident throughout his writings. His philosophical style is emotionally engaging and direct. He used metaphorical and pictorial language to bring home complex and subtle philosophical points, and he reached out to accommodate, as well as influence, the aesthetic and emotional sensibilities ... log in or subscribe to read full text