"There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers"

This quote by William James is a humorous way of mentioning the tendency of philosophers to disagree with each other. It indicates that thinkers are frequently more thinking about disputing and challenging each other's ideas than in finding a consensus. This is because viewpoint is a field of study that is based upon subjective analyses of the world, and so it is natural for different individuals to have different opinions. James' quote likewise recommends that, in spite of the disputes, philosophers can still be trusted to believe deeply and seriously about the world. Eventually, this quote is a tip that, while philosophers may disagree, they are still united in their pursuit of understanding and understanding.