Literary notes about Habitual (AI summary)
The term “habitual” in literature is often employed to denote behaviors or states of mind that have become so ingrained they appear almost instinctive. Authors use it to reflect the inner workings of characters, conveying how certain moods, actions, or thought patterns become a natural part of their identity. In some works, it indicates routine physical behaviors or manners—actions performed with little conscious thought—which can help define a character’s personality and social role [1] [2] [3]. In other narratives, it is used more broadly to describe the customary processes by which individuals or societies operate, whether referring to habitual residences that shape a character’s environment or mental patterns that guide responses in critical situations [4] [5] [6]. This layered usage enriches both character development and thematic depth, allowing habitual traits to serve as a bridge between individual identity and broader cultural norms [7] [8].
- This stage of reflective condition is, more or less explicitly, our habitual adult state of mind.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - “I cannot admit it,” said Sergey Ivanovitch, with his habitual clearness, precision of expression, and elegance of phrase.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - In selecting another to perform the office of reclaiming his highly prized rifle, the scout had lost sight of none of his habitual caution.
— from The Last of the Mohicans; A narrative of 1757 by James Fenimore Cooper - Our habitual standards seem inapplicable to such novel circumstances.
— from The Methods of Ethics by Henry Sidgwick - I made occasional visits to the more picturesque parts; but my habitual residence was on the blank and dreary northern shores of the Tay, near Dundee.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - Habitual actions are certain, and being in no danger of going astray from their end, need no extraneous help.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - 28 Purification by water was habitual and in varied forms.
— from The Religions of Japan, from the Dawn of History to the Era of Méiji by William Elliot Griffis - What we call happiness is the harvest from our life sowing, our habitual thought-sowing, deed-doing.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden
