In 1896, William James published 'The Will to Believe,' a philosophical essay defending the right to hold beliefs in the absence of empirical evidence. James argued that faith and belief are essential to human experience, particularly in matters of religion and morality. His pragmatic approach emphasized the importance of personal conviction and the role of belief in shaping individual lives and societal values.

William James's 'The Will to Believe' emphasized the subjective nature of belief, which resonated with American poets exploring themes of faith and doubt. This philosophical approach influenced the Modernist movement, encouraging poets to embrace complexity and multiplicity in their exploration of truth and human experience.