The Stoic "objective" "Rationalistic" university bequeathed to by the Enlightenment, may have met its match with the Stoic coolness, laid back "whatever", and disconnected demeanor of the modern, common university student. Of course there are a few universities passionately committed to genuine learning and some students at every school who care deeply and passionately about learning. There are those when asked, "why are you at university" give the only right answer and that is "to become educated." Over recent years, when I ask my Freshmen why they are here, you get the range of consumer answers, and only rarely the answer of one consumed with a desire to know.
Ok , I begin with a disclaimer. This is not an actual interview in the technical sense. Since William James passed from this world in 1910, many decades before I was even born, it is not possible that I interviewed him. However, here is what really did happen. After spending the last few months pouring over key books by Professor James, it caught up with my unconscious mind and I did indeed dream that I met him and we talked. The following is an imagined conversation based on significant engagement with some of his writings and an unusual dream. Robert Woods: This is a most unexpected honor to meet you Dr. James and be able to ask you some questions about some things you have written. William James: My pleasure. I am glad to discover that some are still reading my writings. Woods: I think what most impresses me about your education is that you are a philosopher and psychologist, but were trained as a physician which gives you an extraordinary advantage over some who