Pragmatism is probably the only philosophical movement in which modern democracy — modern mass democracy — is connoted positively. Next to that, a high measure of social and political involvement is said to be a characteristic feature of all pragmatists. William James is no exception. Political and social topics are indeed the key aspects of his intellectual work and with regard to current political issues, James positions himself publicly again and again. For instance, he severely attacks the 'national war fever' that spreads at the occupation of the Philippines by US military troops in 1899: "Civilization is, then, the big hollow resounding, corrupting, sophisticating, confusing torrent of mere brutal momentum and irrationality that brings forth fruits like this. ... We are cold-bloodedly, wantonly and abominably destroying the soul of a people who never did us an atom of harm in their lives." The present example reveals his mistrust and contempt towards anything 'big' or 'great': "I am against bigness and greatness in all their forms. ... The bigger the unit you deal with, the hollower, the more brutal, the more mendacious is the life displayed. So I am against all big organizations as such, national ones first and foremost; against all big successes and big results."
What is less known to the public, however, is that James — as the most important propagandist of 'classical' pragmatism — also is a remarkable political thinker and theorist. Usually, William James is perceived as a supporter of radical individualism. Nonetheless, he designed a theory of action whose central elements are based on the democratic values of 'tolerance,' 'mutual respect,' and 'nonviolence.' Today, James's radically democratic concept is as relevant as ever: He does not see pluralism, diversity and difference as a burden that needs to be overcome but, on the contrary, perceives them in a positive way. For him, pluralism, diversity and difference are central factors for development, creation and improvement of humane living conditions. Seeing that today anti-discrimination (regarding age, race, gender, class, religion) is seen as the crucial task for emancipation processes and that the most pressing political-democratic challenge in our globalized world seems to be 'diversity management,' William James's ideas on participatory democracy are ideal points of reference.