--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We are anxious when there is a dissonance…" description: "\"We are anxious when there is a dissonance between our \"knowledge\" and the perceivable facts. Since our \"knowledge\" is not to be doubted or questioned, ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/nathaniel-branden-2125_altered_we-are-anxious-when-there-is-a-dissonanc_2959433.png" --- # We are anxious when there is a dissonance between our… ![“We are anxious when there is a dissonance between our "knowledge" and the perceivable facts. Since our "knowledge" is not to be doubted or questioned, it is the facts that have to be altered...” quote by Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/nathaniel-branden-2125_altered_we-are-anxious-when-there-is-a-dissonanc_2959433.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/nathaniel-branden-2125_altered_we-are-anxious-when-there-is-a-dissonanc_2959433.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/nathaniel-branden-2125_altered_we-are-anxious-when-there-is-a-dissonanc_2959433.png) > “We are anxious when there is a dissonance between our "knowledge" and the perceivable facts. Since our "knowledge" is not to be doubted or questioned, it is the facts that have to be altered...” [Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-branden/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When knowledge clashes with observable facts, people often try to change the facts rather than question their assumptions, revealing a resistance to cognitive dissonance. **In simple terms:** People alter facts to protect their beliefs. Key Takeaway Question assumptions, not facts. Themes cognitive dissonance knowledge facts self‑esteem Mood analytical inquisitive Type psychological self‑help When to use this quote - academic research - daily decision making - media consumption - personal growth Key Concepts psychology epistemology critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - What belief do you hold despite contradictory evidence? - How can you embrace factual reality over comforting myths? A Different Perspective Changing facts can lead to self‑deception and loss of credibility. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Altered](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/altered/) [Anxious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anxious/) [Anxious Dissonance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anxious-dissonance-4499158/) [Dissonance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dissonance/) [Dissonance Knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dissonance-knowledge-4499159/) [Doubted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doubted/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Facts Altered](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts-altered-4499161/) [Knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge/) [Knowledge Doubted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge-doubted-4499160/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [“This is a work of memory -- facts have been altered. 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