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...people don't want to believe the truth about…

“...people don't want to believe the truth about themselves. They get some mental picture of themselves and then they devil the poor old body, trying to make it like the picture. When it won't obey-can't obey, of course-they are mad at it, and live in it as if it were an unsatisfactory house they…” quote by Robertson Davies
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““...people don't want to believe the truth about themselves. They get some mental picture of themselves and then they devil the poor old body, trying to make it like the picture. When it won't obey-can't obey, of course-they are mad at it, and live in it as if it were an unsatisfactory house they were hoping to move out of.””

Robertson Davies

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 idealized self‑images, rejecting their bodies when they don’t match, leading to inner conflict and self‑sabotage.

In simple terms: We fight our bodies when they differ from our mental picture.

Key Takeaway

Accept your physical self to reduce inner turmoil.

Themes

self‑image body image psychology

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • therapy
  • health
  • relationships

Key Concepts

identity cognitive dissonance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What image of yourself feels most authentic?
  • How can you reconcile body and mind?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep‑seated self‑views can be painful.

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