Norman Vincent Peal once remarked: when a person changes their thoughts, they change their world. Unfortunately, too many individuals do not want to make that change. Human nature causes one to stick to what he knows, to be cautious and remain within his own boundaries. Some people, however, accept differences and embrace change; they may not know what to expect but they are ready to change. In The House Behind the Cedars, Charles Chesnutt writes of George Tryon, who is able to take such a step. Tryon, a young white man who has lived a very sheltered upper class life, is a very self-centered, racist man, who finds extreme pride in his race. Chesnutt describes this character as someone who does not want to change one detail of his own life, yet is willing to completely alter the lives of those around him for his own benefit. When he wins the heart of Rena Warwick, he finds that if he truly cannot live without her, he needs to make a lifestyle change. Although Tryon has difficulty choosing love over status, he ultimately realizes what matters more. He therefore changes from a racist, close-minded man to a more open, accepting individual.