Bertrand Russell said it best (Score 1)

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.