Defense mechanism Quote by Dorothy L. Sayers
““In ordinary times we get along surprisingly well, on the whole, without ever discovering what our faith really is.If, now and again, this remote and academic problem is so unmannerly as to thrust its way into our minds, there are plenty of things we can do to drive the intruder away. We can get the car out or go to a party or to the cinema or read a detective story or have a row with a district council or write a letter to the papers about the habits of the nightjar or Shakespeare's use of nautical metaphor. Thus we build up a defense mechanism against self-questioning because, to tell the truth, we are very much afraid of ourselves.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Gaudy Night” by Dorothy L. Sayers, 1935
People often avoid confronting their deep beliefs by distracting themselves with everyday activities, creating a defensive habit against self‑examination.
In simple terms: We dodge true self‑knowledge with distractions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and face your inner doubts.
Themes
self‑awareness
defense mechanisms
distraction
faith
introspection
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- reading
- social events
- writing letters
- watching movies
- arguing with officials
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
social behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- What belief are you avoiding?
- How could confronting it change your life?
A Different Perspective
Distraction only postpones, not resolves, the underlying anxiety.
![“It [motherhood] has changed absolutely everything. I mean, it's changed my life. I think I've changed as a human being more since I've had Kai than in any other period in my life...It's such an incredible catalyst for growth. I found myself questioning absolutely everything: how I spend my time…” quote by Jennifer Connelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/05a/jennifer-connelly-10722_catalyst_it-motherhood-has-changed-absolutely-eve_2321077.jpg)
![“See that the mind is honest, first; the rest may follow or not as God wills. [That] the fundamental treason to the mind ... is the one fundamental treason which the scholar's mind must not allow is the bond uniting all the Oxford people in the last resort.” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c74/dorothy-l-sayers-738_academia_see-that-the-mind-is-honest-first-the-re_16293.jpg)
![“Perhaps [the critics are right and] the drama is played out now and Jesus is safely dead and buried. Perhaps. It is ironical and entertaining to consider that at least once in the world's history those words might have been said with complete conviction, and that was on the eve of the Resurrection.” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/467/dorothy-l-sayers-738_buried_perhaps-the-critics-are-right-and-the-dr_43252.jpg)
