It is said that a Fixed Idea is the beginning of madness.  
Yet we are often worried because we have so few Fixed Ideas. We do not seem to have any really definite Theory about Life.
 
 
 
We find, on the other hand, that a great many of those we know have some Guiding Principle that excuses and explains all their conduct.
 
 
 
If you have some Theory about Life, and are thoroughly devoted to it, you may come to a bad end, but you will enjoy yourself heartily.
 
 
 
These theories may be of many different kinds. One of our friends rests his career and hope of salvation on the doctrine that eating plenty of fish and going without an overcoat whenever possible constitute supreme happiness.
 
 
 
Another prides himself on not being able to roll a cigarette. If he were forced, at the point of the bayonet, to roll a fag, it would wreck his life.
 
 
 
Another is convinced that the Lost and Found ads in the papers all contain anarchist code messages, and sits up late at night trying to unriddle them.
 
 
 
How delightful it must be to be possessed by one of these Theories! All the experiences of the theorist's life tend to confirm his Theory. This is always so. Did you ever hear of a Theory being confuted?
 
 
 
Facts are quite helpless in the face of Theories. For after all, most Facts are insufficiently encouraged with applause. When a Fact comes along, the people in charge are generally looking the other way. This is what is meant by Not Facing............