... was writing. America at the end of the 19th century was characterized by individualism, pluralism, and optimism. From the beginning of colonization, Americans have been formed by the myth of the rugged frontiersman, the hardworking man who single-handedly goes forth and creates his own destiny through taming the wild frontier with his muscle, his wits, and the sweat of his brow. Reality aside, this myth has created an ethos where individuals are held responsible for their own situation in life and for their own opinions. Success is judged by how well one carves one's own niche in the world and personally appropriates the available abundance. This reflects not simply on one's abilities, but on the veracity of one's entire approach to life. In Principles of Psychology, James reviews the question of evidence in regard to the question of determinism versus freedom of choice. He concludes that it will be impossible to ...

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