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.
Bertrand Russell
British author, mathematician, & philosopher (1872 - 1970)
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This also explains why it is critically important that we closely scrutinise what we teach our children and the examples we set for them. The best way to judge how you are performing as a parent is to view how your children act.
The majority of praise for a good act should go to the parents; just as should the majority of blame for a less than good act. I'm sure as the years go on the parental influence starts to wane but the foundations are laid early in life.
These words could come back to haunt me one day ...