Comfortable myths by Bertrand Russell

There is something feeble and a little contemptible about
a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help
of comfortable myths. Almost inevitably some part of him
is aware that they are myths and that he believes them
only because they are comforting. But he dare not face
this thought! Moreover, since he is aware, however dimly,
that his opinions are not rational, he becomes furious
when they are disputed.”
Bertrand Russell, Human Society in Ethics and Politics