In A.S. Byatt's novel "Possession," the character Maud reflects on the perennial nature of certain truths that endure through time, regardless of people's beliefs or desires. She emphasizes that these truths are often established by significant figures, like Freud, whose insights into human nature shape our understanding, no matter how much we may wish to dispute or modify them. Maud suggests a certain inevitability in accepting these foundational ideas, indicating that, despite individual interpretations, some principles remain steadfast.

She acknowledges that while we can explore particular aspects and question specific details, the overarching truths laid out by such thinkers are resistant to challenge. This perspective highlights the struggle between the individual's quest for freedom of thought and the constraining influence of established knowledge. Maud's contemplation raises important questions about the nature of human understanding and the limits of personal belief in the face of widely accepted truths.