Quotation by

William James

The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour.

William James

Nature

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

William James is saying that alcohol influences people because it awakens their sense of wonder and imagination, which is often suppressed by logical thinking and harsh judgment when they are sober. In other words, drinking allows people to experience feelings and ideas that are normally pushed down by everyday reality and criticism.

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