Most people are not prepared to have their minds changed,"…
““Most people are not prepared to have their minds changed," he said. "And I think they know in their hearts that other people are just the same, and one of the reasons people become angry when they argue is that they realize just that, as they trot out their excuses." " Excuses , eh?" Well, if this ain't cynicism, what is?" Erens snorted. "Yes, excuses," he said, with what Erens thought might just have been a trace of bitterness. "I strongly suspect the things people believe in are usually just what they instinctively feel is right; the excuses, the justifications, the things you're supposed to argue about, come later. They're the least important part of the belief. That's why you can destroy them, win an argument, prove the other person wrong, and still they believe what they did in the first place." He looked at Erens. "You've attacked the wrong thing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People cling to excuses and justifications, but the core beliefs remain unchanged; arguments often target superficial defenses rather than underlying convictions.
In simple terms: Excuses mask deeper beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Challenge underlying assumptions, not just excuses.
Themes
argument
belief
psychology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- debating political views
- discussing moral dilemmas
- self‑reflection on personal biases
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we cling to excuses?
- How can we address core beliefs without confrontation?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep beliefs is difficult and may cause resistance.