"Compared to what we ought to be, we are half awake"

The quote by William James highlights the idea that as people, we are not living up to our full capacity. He suggests that we are only partially conscious of our capabilities and the effect we can have on the world. There is a sense that we are sleepwalking through life, not fully engaging with the world around us. This could be interpreted as a call to action, motivating us to wake up and understand the power we need to make a favorable impact on society. It likewise indicates that there is space for growth and improvement, suggesting that it is never far too late to pursue a much better version of ourselves.