James Elliot Cabot (June 18, 1821 – January 16, 1903) was an American philosopher and author, born in Boston to Samuel Cabot, Jr., and Eliza Cabot. James (known by his family and friends as "Elliot") had six brothers: Thomas Handasyd Cabot (b. 1814), Samuel Cabot III (b. 1815), Edward Clarke Cabot (b. 1818), Stephen Cabot (b. 1826), Walter Channing Cabot (b. 1829), and Louis Cabot (b. 1837). Having received his bachelor's degree from Harvard Law School in 1845, Elliot started a law firm. Cabot was a correspondent of Henry David Thoreau.