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Annoyed Quote by Josephine Tey

“It's an odd thing but when you tell someone the true facts of a mythical tale they are indignant not with the teller but with you. They don't want to have their ideas upset. It rouses some vague uneasiness in them, I think, and they resent it. So they reject it and refuse to think about it. If…” quote by Josephine Tey
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“It's an odd thing but when you tell someone the true facts of a mythical tale they are indignant not with the teller but with you. They don't want to have their ideas upset. It rouses some vague uneasiness in them, I think, and they resent it. So they reject it and refuse to think about it. If they were merely indifferent it would be natural and understandable. But it is much stronger than that, much more positive. They are annoyed. Very odd, isn't it.”

Josephine Tey

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey, 1951

People often react defensively when confronted with facts that challenge cherished myths, feeling personal affront rather than intellectual disagreement.

In simple terms: Myths protect ego; facts threaten it.

Key Takeaway

Recognize defensive bias and stay calm.

Themes

defensiveness myth ego truth

Mood

iritated defensive reflective

Type

analytical psychological

When to use this quote

  • debates about history
  • science communication
  • political discourse
  • education
  • media criticism

Key Concepts

cognitive dissonance identity threat

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we protect ideas more than facts?
  • How can we discuss myths without triggering anger?
A Different Perspective

People may double‑down, ignoring evidence.

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