Who said “As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use.”?

Verified

William James. A published source records them saying or writing it.

Source"The Will to Believe" p. 10

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: "The Will to Believe" p. 10.

APA

James, W. (n.d.). As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8004-as-a-rule-we-disbelieve-all-the-facts/

MLA

James, William. “As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8004-as-a-rule-we-disbelieve-all-the-facts/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

James, William. “As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8004-as-a-rule-we-disbelieve-all-the-facts/.