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Atheism Quote by Bertrand Russell

“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…” quote by Bertrand Russell
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“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.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Conquest of Happiness, 1930

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.

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