Believe Quote by Jack McDevitt
“The real problem has to do with the inability by people to admit that a position they've held a long time might be wrong. That's all. Not that it is. Just that it might be. I don't know why it is, but we tend to fall in love with things we believe, Threaten them, and you threaten us.”
About This Quote
People cling to long‑held beliefs, making it hard to admit they might be wrong; this emotional attachment fuels resistance to contrary evidence.
In simple terms: Attachment to ideas blocks acceptance of error.
Key Takeaway
Cognitive bias hinders truth‑seeking.
Themes
cognitive bias
belief perseverance
critical thinking
psychology
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political debates
- scientific controversies
- organizational change
Key Concepts
confirmation bias
identity protection
Practical Applications
- devil’s‑advocate workshops
- structured doubt exercises
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance conviction with openness?
- What mechanisms reduce belief‑attachment?
A Different Perspective
Some beliefs are essential for stability; constant doubt can be destabilizing.
![“...those whose tastes run to personal power [can] never be trusted to act save in the pursuit of their own ambition.” quote by Jack McDevitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/222/jack-mcdevitt-8429_ambition_those-whose-tastes-run-to-personal-power_190484.jpg)
