Accepted Quote by Frantz Fanon
“Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn't fit in with the core belief.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Black Skin, White Masks, 1952
He explains cognitive dissonance: people reject evidence that threatens core beliefs, rationalizing or denying it.
In simple terms: People reject uncomfortable evidence.
Key Takeaway
Stay open to evidence that challenges beliefs.
Themes
cognition
belief
bias
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates
- education
- policy making
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Cognitive dissonance
psychological defense mechanisms
Questions to Reflect On
- What core beliefs might you be protecting?
- How can you confront uncomfortable evidence constructively?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep beliefs is difficult and emotional.
![“You'll be pleased to hear, Christopher, that I am no longer a Muslim liberal but an atheist […] I find that it obviates the necessity for any cognitive dissonance.” quote by Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/509/ayaan-hirsi-ali-2858_atheism_you-ll-be-pleased-to-hear-christopher-th_858008.jpg)
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
