Who said “Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help…”?

Misattributed

Not Henry James. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Henry James. Earliest known source: William James (the philosopher), 'Is Life Worth Living?' (1895).

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“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.”
— Henry James
MisattributedNot by Henry James. Earliest known source: William James (the philosopher), 'Is Life Worth Living?' (1895). · evidenceLife and Living
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Cite this quote

APA

“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.” [Quotation attributed to Henry James]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/26732-be-not-afraid-of-life-believe-that-life/

MLA

“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.” Attributed to Henry James. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/26732-be-not-afraid-of-life-believe-that-life/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.” Attributed to Henry James. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/26732-be-not-afraid-of-life-believe-that-life/.

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“Deep experience is never peaceful.”
Verifiedde Mauves, Galaxy Magazine (February/March 1874), ch. V, reprinted in A Passionate Pilgrim (1875) and later in The Madonna of the Future and Other Tales (1879) and the New York Edition of James' works, vol. 13 (1908) · evidenceDetails & citeExperience
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