Meaning: This quote by William James, an influential American philosopher and psychologist, provides an insightful perspective on the nature of human consciousness and perception. In this quote, James references the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, particularly Kant's notion of the transcendental unity of apperception. To understand the quote, it is essential to delve into Kant's philosophy and then explore how James builds upon and interprets Kant's ideas.

Immanuel Kant, an 18th-century German philosopher, is known for his influential work in epistemology and metaphysics. In his Critique of Pure Reason, Kant introduces the concept of the transcendental unity of apperception, which is the unifying function of consciousness that allows for the coherent experience of a unified self amidst the diversity of sensory perceptions. Kant argues that this transcendental unity of apperception, or the "I think," is a necessary condition for all conscious experience. According to Kant, this "I think" must be able to accompany all our objects of thought, providing the necessary unity and coherence to our experience.

When William James states that the "I think" which Kant said must accompany all objects is the "I breathe" which actually does accompany them, he is drawing a parallel between Kant's philosophical concept and the physiological act of breathing. James seems to suggest that while Kant speaks of the "I think" as the necessary accompaniment to all objects of thought, the fundamental and immediate experience of the self is better represented by the act of breathing - the "I breathe."

In making this comparison, James may be emphasizing the immediacy and universality of the bodily experience of breathing. Unlike the abstract concept of the "I think," which can seem distant and intellectual, the act of breathing is a primal and constant activity that is intimately tied to our existence. It is a bodily function that is essential for life and is experienced by all individuals, transcending cultural and intellectual differences.

By equating the "I think" with the "I breathe," James may be suggesting that our fundamental sense of self is not just a product of intellectual reflection, but is rooted in our embodied experience. Our awareness of ourselves as conscious beings is inseparable from our bodily sensations and functions. In this way, James's statement can be seen as a call to ground philosophical ideas about consciousness and self-awareness in the tangible and immediate experiences of the body.

Moreover, James's comparison of the "I think" and the "I breathe" can be interpreted as a critique of overly intellectual or abstract approaches to understanding human consciousness. He may be advocating for a more holistic and embodied understanding of the self, one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind and body.

In conclusion, William James's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of human consciousness and self-awareness. By juxtaposing Kant's "I think" with the immediate bodily experience of breathing, James highlights the fundamental role of embodied experience in shaping our sense of self. This quote encourages us to consider the intimate connection between our intellectual reflections and our bodily sensations, ultimately pointing towards a more integrated understanding of human consciousness.