"A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices"

This quote by William James is a pointer that we must be careful to believe critically and objectively about the world around us. It suggests that many individuals are not actually believing for themselves, however rather are simply rearranging their existing beliefs and prejudices. This indicates that they are ruling out new ideas or perspectives, but rather are merely enhancing their own existing views. This can result in a lack of receptivity and an aversion to consider alternative points of view. It is necessary to be aware of our own biases and to make every effort to believe separately and objectively. We need to be willing to challenge our own beliefs and to think about various perspectives in order to acquire a much better understanding of the world.