"Beaucoup de gens pensent qu'ils réfléchissent alors qu'ils ne font que réarranger leurs préjugés."
— William James
Simplified Meaning:
Sometimes, people believe they are carefully considering new ideas or solving problems, but they are actually just sticking to their old, biased opinions. For example, imagine someone who always believes that people from a certain country are lazy. When they hear a story about a hardworking person from that country, instead of changing their mind, they might think of reasons why this person is an exception or find ways to dismiss the story. This way of thinking doesn't help us learn or grow; it just keeps our prejudices intact. To really think deeply, you need to challenge your own ideas and be open to different viewpoints, even if they make you uncomfortable. For instance, if you always believed certain jobs are only for men or only for women, try to learn about people who thrive in those jobs regardless of gender. Doing this helps you see the world more fairly and makes your thinking more flexible and accurate. This approach can improve your understanding of others and lead to more meaningful and respectful interactions.