Who said “Only necessity understood, and bondage to the highest is identical with true freedom.”?

Verified

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

SourceThe Dilemma of Determinism (1884) republished in The Will to Believe, Dover, 1956, p. 149

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“Only necessity understood, and bondage to the highest is identical with true freedom.”
— William James
VerifiedThe Dilemma of Determinism (1884) republished in The Will to Believe, Dover, 1956, p. 149 · evidenceFreedom

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Dilemma of Determinism (1884) republished in The Will to Believe, Dover, 1956, p. 149.

APA

James, W. (n.d.). Only necessity understood, and bondage to the highest is identical with true freedom. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18480-only-necessity-understood-and-bondage-to-the-highest/

MLA

James, William. “Only necessity understood, and bondage to the highest is identical with true freedom.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18480-only-necessity-understood-and-bondage-to-the-highest/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

James, William. “Only necessity understood, and bondage to the highest is identical with true freedom.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18480-only-necessity-understood-and-bondage-to-the-highest/.

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