Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.

The quote "Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts" by E. B. White is a clever critique of the nature of prejudice and how it simplifies the process of judgment. White is suggesting that prejudice allows people to make quick, often inaccurate decisions without the effort of seeking the truth or considering the facts. Instead of taking the time to gather information and form an informed opinion, prejudice allows individuals to rely on stereotypes or assumptions, saving time but often leading to flawed and biased conclusions.

White, a celebrated author and essayist, was known for his ability to address serious societal issues with sharp humor and insightful commentary. In this quote, he points out the efficiency of prejudice in the short term, but also implicitly warns about the long-term harm it can cause. By labeling prejudice as a time saver, White is highlighting how easy it is to fall into biased thinking, but also how dangerous it can be to rely on this shortcut when making decisions about others or the world.

The origin of this quote can be traced to White's broader reflections on human behavior and societal norms. White was deeply concerned with the effects of ignorance and closed-mindedness, and his writing often encouraged readers to think critically and challenge their assumptions. The quote comes from his deep understanding of how human nature can easily fall into simplified thinking rather than striving for the complexity and depth required for truly understanding the world.

Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder of the perils of making judgments without fully understanding the facts. It challenges us to be more thoughtful and deliberate in how we form opinions, urging us to push past prejudices and take the time to gather the necessary information before drawing conclusions. White’s wit and wisdom encourage us to avoid the quick fixes of bias and instead engage with the complexities of the world around us.