There is something feeble, and a little contemptible…
“There is something feeble, and a little contemptible, about a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help of comfortable myths. Almost inevitably some part of him is aware that they are myths and that he believes them only because they are comforting. But he dare not face this thought, and he therefore cannot carry his own reflection to any logical conclusion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote critiques reliance on comforting falsehoods, urging honest self‑examination.
In simple terms: People avoid truth by clinging to myths.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth over comfort.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
truth
myths
self‑reflection
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- education
- mental health counseling
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Existentialism
critical thinking
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What myths comfort you?
- How can you confront uncomfortable truths?
A Different Perspective
Facing myths can cause distress and resistance.