If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way.

Si un homme est offert un fait qui va à l'encontre de ses instincts, il examinera de plus près, et à moins que la preuve est accablante, il refusera de croire. Si, d'autre part, il est proposé quelque chose qui donne une raison d'agir conformément à ses instincts, il acceptera même sur la moindre preuve. L'origine des mythes est expliquée de cette façon.