"The house of delusions is cheap to build but drafty to live in"

A. E. Housman’s remark, “The house of delusions is cheap to build but drafty to live in,” offers a powerful metaphor about self-deception and the temporary comfort of believing in illusions. The image of a hastily constructed house suggests that creating comforting falsehoods or accepting unfounded beliefs requires little effort. It is far easier to accept convenient stories, whether about oneself, others, or the world, than to grapple with uncertainty, discomfort, or difficult truths. These “houses” of delusion cost almost nothing in terms of critical thought or courage; they protect us from immediate pain, disappointment, or challenge.

However, just as a poorly built house lacks insulation and leaves its inhabitant exposed to the elements, living within one’s delusions fails to provide genuine security or comfort. The “drafty” nature of the house implies a continual sense of unease and vulnerability. Although self-delusion may seem to offer “shelter” from reality, it does not effectively keep out the cold winds of truth. Discomfort continually seeps through, manifesting as anxiety, cognitive dissonance, or unexpected confrontation with reality. No matter how much one tries to ignore reality, facts and consequences intrude, undermining the comfort the delusion was supposed to afford.

Housman subtly critiques the human tendency to escape into wishful thinking. His metaphor suggests that personal integrity and honesty, though sometimes requiring more effort and courage, much like building a solid, well-insulated house, ultimately lead to a sense of stability and warmth. Facing hard truths, acknowledging uncomfortable realities, and building a worldview based on evidence and sincerity may be challenging, yet such a life provides deeper, more enduring comfort. The phrase touches on the long-term cost of self-deception and encourages individuals to invest in authenticity, even if it demands more from them up front. The temporary “cheapness” of delusions is, ultimately, a false economy.