Illustrates how William Jamess philosophical pragmatism can help to resolve issues in everyday contemporary life.William James one of Americas most original philosophers and psychologists was concerned above all with the manner in which philosophy might help people to cope with the vicissitudes of daily life. Writing around the turn of the twentieth century James experienced firsthand much as we do now the impact upon individuals and communities of rapid changes in extant values technologies economic realities and ways of understanding the world. He presented an enormous range of practical recommendations for coping and thriving in such circumstances arguing consistently that prospects for richer lives and improved communities rested not upon trust in spiritual or material prescriptions but rather on clear thinking in the cause of action.