# Quotes about conscience

- Quotes: 95
- Authors: 72
- Broader topic: [Quotes about morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md)
- Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience
- JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.json

## Quotes

> "You are your own law, so you'll be your own judge."

[Richard Wright](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-wright.md) · [The Outsider](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-wright/the-outsider.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-wright/the-outsider/you-are-your.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I pray that the earth gape deep enough to take me down
>
> or the almighty Father blast me with one bolt to the shades,
>
> the pale, glimmering shades in hell, the pit of night,
>
> before I dishonor you, my conscience, break your laws.
>
> He's carried my love away, the man who wed me first—
>
> may he hold it tight, safeguard it in his grave.

[Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/i-pray-that.md)

Topics: [love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/love.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [fidelity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fidelity.md)

> May the gods—
>
> And surely there are powers that care for goodness,
>
> Surely somewhere justice counts—may they
>
> And your own consciousness of acting well
>
> Reward you as they should.

[Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/may-the-gods.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [kindness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/kindness.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> If you have no use for humankind and mortal armor,
>
> at least respect the gods. They know right from wrong.

[Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/if-you-have.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> One can no more prevent the mind from returning to an idea than the sea from returning to a shore. In the case of the sailor, this is called a tide; in the case of the guilty, it is called remorse.

[Victor Hugo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo.md) · [Les Miserables](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo/les-miserables.md) · p. 189 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo/les-miserables/one-can-no-more.md)

Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> The mind's eye can nowhere find anything more dazzling nor more dark than in man; it can fix itself upon nothing which is more awful, more complex, more mysterious, or more infinite. There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.
>
> To write the poem of the human conscience, were it only of a single man, were it only of the most infamous of men, would be to swallow up all epics in a superior and final epic. The conscience is the chaos of chimeras, of lusts and of temptations, the furnace of dreams, the cave of the ideas which are our shame; it is the pandemonium of sophisms, the battlefield of the passions. At certain hours, penetrate within the livid face of a human being who reflects, and look at what lies behind; look into that soul, look into that obscurity. There, beneath the external silence, there are combats of giants as in Homer, melees of dragons and hydras, and clouds of phantoms as in Milton, ghostly labyrinths as in Dante. What a gloom enwraps that infinite which each man bears within himself, and by which he measures in despair the desires of his will, and the actions of his life!

[Victor Hugo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo.md) · [Les Miserables](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo/les-miserables.md) · p. 184 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo/les-miserables/the-minds-eye.md)

Topics: [soul](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/soul.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> The mind, conscious of rectitude, laughed to scorn the falsehood of report.

[Ovid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ovid.md) · [Fasti](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ovid/fasti.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ovid/fasti/the-mind-conscious.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [gossip](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/gossip.md)

> The person engaged in action is always unconscionable; no one except the contemplative has a conscience.

[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe.md) · [Maxims and Reflections](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections/the-person-engaged.md)

Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Do not wait for the Last Judgment. It takes place every day. QOTD 2007·11·07 Sound file

[Albert Camus](https://www.leafyquotes.com/albert-camus.md) · [The Fall](https://www.leafyquotes.com/albert-camus/the-fall.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/albert-camus/the-fall/do-not-wait.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> In my position I simply can’t afford pangs of conscience. Fortunately, they fade the more power one acquires. It’s an entirely natural process.

[Walter Moers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-moers.md) · [The City Of Dreaming Books](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-moers/the-city-of-dreaming-books.md) · p. 145 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-moers/the-city-of-dreaming-books/in-my-position.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I for my part was most thankful that I had not killed. For to have the life of a fellow-man laid upon one's conscience—deserved he his death, or deserved it not—is to my sense of right and wrong the heaviest of all burdens; and the one that wears most deeply inwards, with the dwelling of the mind on this view and on that of it.

[R. D. Blackmore](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-d-blackmore.md) · [Lorna Doone](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-d-blackmore/lorna-doone.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-d-blackmore/lorna-doone/i-for-my-part-was.md)

Topics: [death](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/death.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Whenever the roles of individuals within a group become specialized, it becomes both possible and easy for the individual to pass the moral buck to some other part of the group. In this way, not only does the individual forsake his conscience but the conscience of the group as a whole can become so fragmented and diluted as to be nonexistent.

[M. Scott Peck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-scott-peck.md) · [The People Of The Lie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-scott-peck/the-people-of-the-lie.md) · p. 249 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-scott-peck/the-people-of-the-lie/whenever-the-roles.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> "Try this for deviancy: fabricants are mirrors held up to purebloods' consciences; what purebloods see reflected there sickens them. So they blame you for holding up the mirror."
>
> I hid my shock by asking when purebloods might blame themselves.
>
> Mephi replied, "History suggests, not until they are made to."

[David Mitchell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell.md) · [Cloud Atlas](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell/cloud-atlas.md) · p. 222 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell/cloud-atlas/try-this-for.md)

Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Peace, though beloved of our Lord, is a cardinal virtue only if your neighbors share your conscience.

[David Mitchell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell.md) · [Cloud Atlas](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell/cloud-atlas.md) · p. 16 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell/cloud-atlas/peace-though-beloved.md)

Topics: [peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/peace.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Richard’s ex-girlfriends were long gone, but their voices followed him all the time and spoke to him, like Muses or Furies. It was like having seven superegos arranged in a firing squad before a single beleaguered id, making sure he didn’t enjoy that last cigarette.

[Neal Stephenson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neal-stephenson.md) · [Reamde](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neal-stephenson/reamde.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neal-stephenson/reamde/richards-ex-girlfriends-were.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> It is a funny thing that for most men the whitest conscience is no protection from some apprehension in the presence of the police.

[John Wyndham](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-wyndham.md) · [The Wanderers of Time](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-wyndham/the-wanderers-of-time.md) · p. 83 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-wyndham/the-wanderers-of-time/it-is-a-funny.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [police](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/police.md)

> The coup gave them a chance to put into practice what they had learned in their barracks: blind obedience, the use of arms, and other skills that soldiers can master once they silence the scruples of their hearts. (p436)

[Isabel Allende](https://www.leafyquotes.com/isabel-allende.md) · [The House of the Spirits](https://www.leafyquotes.com/isabel-allende/the-house-of-the-spirits.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/isabel-allende/the-house-of-the-spirits/the-coup-gave.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [obedience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/obedience.md), [soldiers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/soldiers.md)

> Why is it people like us have to be the galaxy’s conscience?”
>
> “If you can see a problem, and you have the ability to fix it, it becomes your responsibility. It’s always been that way.”

[Steve Perry](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steve-perry.md) · [The Tejano Conflict](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steve-perry/the-tejano-conflict.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steve-perry/the-tejano-conflict/why-is-it-people.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> “Still feeling guilty, are we? I’d have thought you’d be over that by now.”
>
> “I have a nettlesome little thing called a conscience,” Emily hissed. “Ever hear of it?”
>
> “They’re out of fashion in New York,” Stanton said, and though she guessed she was joking, he didn’t sound humorous.

[M. K. Hobson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-k-hobson.md) · [The Native Star](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-k-hobson/the-native-star.md) · p. 74 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/m-k-hobson/the-native-star/still-feeling-guilty.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> “Si, a lot of men make far greater sacrifices than he will. For the good of the country.”
>
> “But he wouldn’t even be consulted about it!”
>
> “Neither are they; they’re drafted into the army.”
>
> “Well, maybe they should be asked, too.”
>
> He genuinely didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”
>
> “Maybe it’s wrong to force a man to join an army and kill other people against his own wishes.”
>
> They just looked at me. What I was saying was really incomprehensible to them.

[Jack Finney](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-finney.md) · [Time And Again](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-finney/time-and-again.md) · p. 388 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-finney/time-and-again/si-a-lot.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> What you encountered was an abomination, a military intelligence. It was designed to be insidious and spiteful and inimical to life, and it wasn’t smart enough to have a conscience.

[Alastair Reynolds](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds.md) · [Blue Remembered Earth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/blue-remembered-earth.md) · p. 65 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/blue-remembered-earth/what-you-encountered.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [artificial intelligence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/artificial-intelligence.md)

> I do this not because I am courageous and honest, but because it is the only way to end the conflict of my deepest soul.

[Alan Paton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alan-paton.md) · [Cry, The Beloved Country](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alan-paton/cry-the-beloved-country.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alan-paton/cry-the-beloved-country/i-do-this.md)

Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> “What do you want out of life, Francis Lostwax?”
>
> Francis smiled. “To never hurt anybody again.” His lack of hesitation surprised him. “To feel clean.”

[James Morrow](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow.md) · [The Wine of Violence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow/the-wine-of-violence.md) · p. 314 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow/the-wine-of-violence/what-do-you.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> What did it mean that all the guilty felt so certain of their own innocence while he felt so uncertain of his own? It was patently wrong that men locked up by the law should laugh while the man who locked them there no longer felt able even to cry. As if those caged there had learned secretly that all men are innocent in a way no captain might ever understand.

[Nelson Algren](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nelson-algren.md) · [The Man with the Golden Arm](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nelson-algren/the-man-with-the-golden-arm.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nelson-algren/the-man-with-the-golden-arm/what-did-it-mean.md)

Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Do you really want to kill a little boy? No matter what your so-called God tells you, isn’t it wrong? When your beliefs tell you to murder, doesn’t a voice inside you tell you it is wrong?

[Michael Grant](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-grant.md) · [Plague](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-grant/plague.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-grant/plague/do-you-really.md)

Topics: [fanaticism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fanaticism.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Right and wrong doesn’t come from God. It’s inside us. And we know it. And even if God appears right in front of us, and tells us to our faces to murder, it’s still wrong.

[Michael Grant](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-grant.md) · [Plague](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-grant/plague.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-grant/plague/right-and-wrong.md)

Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> His conscience must have gotten tired of nagging him and delivered an ultimatum.

[Poul Anderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson.md) · [There Will Be Time](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/there-will-be-time.md) · p. 104 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/there-will-be-time/his-conscience-must.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Some People are not to be persuaded to taste of any Creatures they have daily seen and been acquainted with, while they were alive; others extend their Scruple no further than to their own Poultry, and refuse to eat what they fed and took care of themselves; yet all of them will feed heartily and without Remorse on Beef, Mutton and Fowls when they are bought in the Market. In this Behaviour, methinks, there appears something like a Consciousness of Guilt, it looks as if they endeavor'd to save themselves from the Imputation of a Crime (which they know sticks somewhere) by removing the cause of it as far as they can from themselves; and I can discover in it some strong remains of Primitive Pity and Innocence, which all the arbitrary Power of Custom, and the violence of Luxury, have not yet been able to conquer.

[Bernard Mandeville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville.md) · [The Fable of the Bees](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville/the-fable-of-the-bees.md) · p. 188 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville/the-fable-of-the-bees/some-people-are.md)

Topics: [animals](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/animals.md), [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [veganism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/veganism.md)

> Anybody can be charming if they don't mind faking it, saying all the stupid, obvious, nauseating things that a conscience keeps most people from saying. Happily, I don't have a conscience. I say them.

[Jeff Lindsay](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jeff-lindsay.md) · [Darkly Dreaming Dexter](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jeff-lindsay/darkly-dreaming-dexter.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jeff-lindsay/darkly-dreaming-dexter/anybody-can-be-charming.md)

Topics: [appearances](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/appearances.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Here I was walking around so hungry that my intestines were squirming inside me like snakes, and I had no guarantee there would be something in the way of food later in the day either. And as time went on I was getting more and more hollowed out, spiritually and physically, and I stooped to less and less honourable actions every day. I lied without blushing to get my way, cheated poor people out of their rent, even had to fight off the thought, mean as could be, of laying hands on other people's blankets, all without remorse, without a bad inner conscience. Rotten patches were beginning to appear in my inner being, black spongy growths that were spreading more and more. And God sat up in his heaven keeping a watchful eye on me, making sure that my destruction took place according to all the rules of the game, slowly and steadily, with no let-up. But in the pit of hell the devils were raising their hackles in fury because it was taking me such a long time to commit a cardinal sin, an unforgivable sin for which God in his righteousness had to cast me down.

[Knut Hamsun](https://www.leafyquotes.com/knut-hamsun.md) · [Hunger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/knut-hamsun/hunger.md) · p. 49 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/knut-hamsun/hunger/here-i-was.md)

Topics: [poverty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/poverty.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [hunger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hunger.md)

> Harry Dresden: Sometimes I hate having a conscience, and a stupidly thorough sense of honor.

[Jim Butcher](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher.md) · [Fool Moon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher/fool-moon.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher/fool-moon/harry-dresden-sometimes.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [honour](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honour.md)

> Western culture is undergoing a process of transition from guilt-oriented, with a conscience, to shame-oriented, with a morbid fear of being found out.

[John Brunner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner.md) · [The Jagged Orbit](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner/the-jagged-orbit.md) · p. 10 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner/the-jagged-orbit/western-culture-is-undergoing.md)

Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [shame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/shame.md)

> He had decided it was better to be a volcano than a man; at least one set no store by what one’s acts destroyed.

[John Brunner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner.md) · [Stand On Zanzibar](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner/stand-on-zanzibar.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner/stand-on-zanzibar/he-had-decided.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> No guilt is forgotten so long as the conscience still knows of it.

[Stefan Zweig](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig.md) · [Beware of Pity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig/beware-of-pity.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig/beware-of-pity/no-guilt-is-forgotten.md)

Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> When one does another person an injustice, in some mysterious way it does one good to discover (or to persuade oneself) that the injured party has also behaved badly or unfairly in some little matter or other; it is always a relief to the conscience if one can apportion some measure of guilt to the person one has betrayed.

[Stefan Zweig](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig.md) · [Beware of Pity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig/beware-of-pity.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig/beware-of-pity/when-one-does.md)

Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [betrayal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/betrayal.md)

> God will judge us by our own thoughts and deeds, not by what others say about us.

[Anne Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte.md) · [The Tenant of Wildfell Hall](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall/god-will-judge.md)

Topics: [god](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/god.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [reputation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reputation.md)

> Here's what I advise any young struggling actress today: The important thing is to develop as a woman first, and a performer second. You wouldn't prostitute yourself to get a part, not if you're in the right mind. You won't be happy, whatever you do, unless you're comfortable with your own conscience.

[Lucille Ball](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucille-ball.md) · [Love, Lucy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucille-ball/love-lucy.md) · p. 42 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucille-ball/love-lucy/heres-what-i-advise.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [theatre](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/theatre.md)

> The political freedom of conscience and of the press, so far from being as it is commonly supposed an extension, is a new case of the limitation of rights and discretion. Conscience and the press ought to be unrestrained, not because men have a right to deviate from the exact line that duty prescribes, but because society, the aggregate of individuals, has no right to assume the prerogative of an infallible judge, and to undertake authoritatively to prescribe to its members in matters of pure speculation.

[William Godwin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin.md) · [Enquiry Concerning Political Justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin/enquiry-concerning-political-justice.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin/enquiry-concerning-political-justice/the-political-freedom.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [freedom of speech](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom-of-speech.md)

> That was another thing she taught me. That you are what you do. To Providence—or Progress or the Future or before any other sort of judgment apart from our own conscience—what we have done, not what we have thought, is the result we are judged by.

[Iain M. Banks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks.md) · [Inversions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/inversions.md) · p. 3 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/inversions/that-was-another.md)

Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> There is only one good. And that is to act according to the dictates of one's conscience.

[Simone de Beauvoir](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-de-beauvoir.md) · [All Men Are Mortal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-de-beauvoir/all-men-are-mortal.md) · p. 181 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-de-beauvoir/all-men-are-mortal/there-is-only.md)

Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I envy your peace of mind, your clean conscience, your unpolluted memory. Little girl, a memory without blot or contamination must be an exquisite treasure — an inexhaustible source of pure refreshment: is it not?

[Charlotte Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte.md) · [Jane Eyre](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte/jane-eyre.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte/jane-eyre/i-envy-your.md)

Topics: [memory](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/memory.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> If all the world hated you, and believed you wicked, while your own conscience approved you, and absolved you from guilt, you would not be without friends.

[Charlotte Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte.md) · [Jane Eyre](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte/jane-eyre.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte/jane-eyre/if-all-the.md)

Topics: [friendship](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/friendship.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Consciences keep silence more often than they should, that's why laws were created.

[José Saramago](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-saramago.md) · [All The Names](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-saramago/all-the-names.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-saramago/all-the-names/consciences-keep-silence.md)

Topics: [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> The central principle of Fritz Bauer's career was that Germans should hold judgement upon themselves. That meant prosecuting ordinary Germans, not just the leaders whom the Allies had prosecuted. [...] The Nazi defendants being prosecuted by Bauer all tended to offer the same set of excuses [...]. Bauer's response, which he formulated again and again at the trials and in public, was as follows. Those Germans whom he was prosecuting were committing crimes against humanity. The laws of the Nazi state were illegitimate. One cannot defend one's actions by saying that one was obeying those laws. There is no law that can justify a crime against humanity. Everybody must have his own sense of right and wrong and must obey it, independently of what a state government says. Anyone who takes part in what Bauer called a murder machine [...] thereby becomes guilty of a crime.

[Jared Diamond](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jared-diamond.md) · [Upheaval](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jared-diamond/upheaval.md) · p. 226 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jared-diamond/upheaval/the-central-principle.md)

Topics: [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [Holocaust](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/holocaust.md)

> It was enough to make a man with a conscience feel guilty.
>
> Of course, a man with that kind of conscience had no business getting into Intelligence in the first place.

[Harry Turtledove](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove.md) · [Settling Accounts: Drive to the East](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/settling-accounts-drive-to-the-east.md) · p. 200 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/settling-accounts-drive-to-the-east/it-was-enough.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Marjorie thought: It always comes down to something like this, doesn’t it. No matter what our consciences say, no matter how much doctrine we’ve been taught, no matter how many ethical considerations we’ve chewed and swallowed and tried to digest, it always comes down to us arming ourselves with weapons as deadly as we can manage and going out into combat...

[Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [Grass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/grass.md) · p. 377 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/grass/marjorie-thought-it-always.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [violence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/violence.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> It is better for a man to die at peace with himself than to live haunted by an evil conscience.

[James Fenimore Cooper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-fenimore-cooper.md) · [The Last of the Mohicans](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-fenimore-cooper/the-last-of-the-mohicans.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-fenimore-cooper/the-last-of-the-mohicans/it-is-better.md)

Topics: [death](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/death.md), [peace of mind](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/peace-of-mind.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> In many walks of life, a conscience is a more expensive encumbrance than a wife or a carriage.

[Thomas Dequincey](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-dequincey.md) · [Confessions of an English Opium-Eater](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-dequincey/confessions-of-an-english-opium-eater.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-dequincey/confessions-of-an-english-opium-eater/in-many-walks.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Conscience is deceived by the social. Our supplementary energy (imaginative) is to a great extent taken up with the social. It has to be detached from it. That is the most difficult of detachments.

[Simone Weil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil.md) · [Simone Weil: An Anthology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil/simone-weil-an-anthology.md) · p. 123 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil/simone-weil-an-anthology/conscience-is-deceived.md)

Topics: [society](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/society.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Trust that man in nothing who has not a conscience in everything.

[Laurence Sterne](https://www.leafyquotes.com/laurence-sterne.md) · [The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/laurence-sterne/the-life-and-opinions-of-tristram-shandy-gentleman.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/laurence-sterne/the-life-and-opinions-of-tristram-shandy-gentleman/trust-that-man.md)

Topics: [trust](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/trust.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I wasn't built to look the other way because the law demanded it. The law might be wrong.

[Joe Biden](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joe-biden.md) · [Promises to Keep](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joe-biden/promises-to-keep.md) · p. 42 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joe-biden/promises-to-keep/i-wasnt-built.md)

Topics: [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Eichmann, much less intelligent and without any education to speak of, at least dimly realized that it was not an order but a law which had turned them all into criminals. The distinction between an order and the Führer's word was that the latter's validity was not limited in time and space, which is the outstanding characteristic of the former. This is also the true reason why the Führer's order for the Final Solution was followed by a huge shower of regulations and directives, all drafted by expert lawyers and legal advisors, not by mere administrators; this order, in contrast to ordinary orders, was treated as a law. Needless to add, the resulting legal paraphernalia, far from being a mere symptom of German pedantry and thoroughness, served most effectively to give the whole business its outward appearance of legality.And just as the law in civilized countries assumes that the voice of conscience tells everybody, "Thou shalt not kill," even though man's natural desires and inclinations may at times be murderous, so the law of Hitler's land demanded that the voice of conscience tell everybody: "Thou shalt kill," although the organizers of the massacres knew full well that murder is against the normal desires and inclinations of most people. Evil in the Third Reich had lost the quality by which most people recognize it — the quality of temptation.

[Hannah Arendt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hannah-arendt.md) · [Eichmann in Jerusalem](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hannah-arendt/eichmann-in-jerusalem.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hannah-arendt/eichmann-in-jerusalem/eichmann-much-less.md)

Topics: [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> The case of the conscience of Eichmann, which is admittedly complicated but is by no means unique, is scarcely comparable to the case of the German generals, one of whom, when asked at Nuremberg, "How was it possible that all of you honorable generals could continue to serve a murderer with such unquestioning loyalty?," replied that it was "not the task of a soldier to act as judge over his supreme commander. Let history do that or God in Heaven."

[Hannah Arendt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hannah-arendt.md) · [Eichmann in Jerusalem](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hannah-arendt/eichmann-in-jerusalem.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hannah-arendt/eichmann-in-jerusalem/the-case-of-the.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [obedience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/obedience.md)

> Norfolk: I'm not a scholar, as Master Cromwell never tires of pointing out, and frankly I don't know whether the marriage was lawful or not. But damn it, Thomas, look at those names... You know those men! Can't you do what I did, and come with us for friendship?
>
> More: And when we stand before God, and you are sent to Paradise for doing according to your conscience, and I am damned for not doing according to mine, will you come with me, for friendship?
>
> Cranmer: So those of us whose names are there are damned, Sir Thomas?
>
> More: I don't know, Your Grace. I have no window to look into another man's conscience. I condemn no one.
>
> Cranmer: Then the matter is capable of question?
>
> More: Certainly.
>
> Cranmer: But that you owe obedience to your King is not capable of question. So weigh a doubt against a certainty — and sign.
>
> More: Some men think the Earth is round, others think it flat; it is a matter capable of question. But if it is flat, will the King's command make it round? And if it is round, will the King's command flatten it? No, I will not sign.

[Robert Bolt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-bolt.md) · [A Man for All Seasons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-bolt/a-man-for-all-seasons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-bolt/a-man-for-all-seasons/norfolk-im-not.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Cromwell: The King's a man of conscience and he wants either Sir Thomas More to bless his marriage or Sir Thomas More destroyed.
>
> Rich: They seem odd alternatives, Secretary.
>
> Cromwell: Do they? That's because you're not a man of conscience. If the King destroys a man, that's proof to the King that it must have been a bad man, the kind of man a man of conscience ought to destroy — and of course a bad man's blessing's not worth having. So either will do.

[Robert Bolt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-bolt.md) · [A Man for All Seasons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-bolt/a-man-for-all-seasons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-bolt/a-man-for-all-seasons/cromwell-the-kings.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> You think me ambitious: ambition, alas! is composed of more rugged materials. If I were ambitious, I should not for so many years have been a prey to all the hell of conscientious scruples.

[Horace Walpole](https://www.leafyquotes.com/horace-walpole.md) · [The Castle of Otranto](https://www.leafyquotes.com/horace-walpole/the-castle-of-otranto.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/horace-walpole/the-castle-of-otranto/you-think-me-ambitious.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I am a minister of Christ first and of the Kirk second. If the Kirk forgets its Master's teaching, we part company.

[John Buchan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-buchan.md) · [Witch Wood](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-buchan/witch-wood.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-buchan/witch-wood/i-am-a-minister.md)

Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> What other dungeon is so dark as one's own heart! What jailer so inexorable as one's self!

[Nathaniel Hawthorne](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nathaniel-hawthorne.md) · [The House of the Seven Gables](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nathaniel-hawthorne/the-house-of-the-seven-gables.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nathaniel-hawthorne/the-house-of-the-seven-gables/what-other-dungeon.md)

Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> From all evil against which the law bars you, you should be barred, at an infinite distance, by honour, by conscience, and nobility. Does the law require patriotism, philanthropy, self-abnegation, public service, purity of purpose, devotion to the needs of others who have been placed in the world below you? The law is a great thing, — because men are poor and weak, and bad. And it is great, because where it exists in its strength, no tyrant can be above it. But between you and me there should be no mention of law as the guide of conduct. Speak to me of honour, of duty, and of nobility; and tell me what they require of you.

[Anthony Trollope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope.md) · [The Duke's Children](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/the-dukes-children.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/the-dukes-children/from-all-evil.md)

Topics: [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [honour](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honour.md)

> Your man with a thin skin, a vehement ambition, a scrupulous conscience, and a sanguine desire for rapid improvement is never a happy, and seldom a fortunate politician.

[Anthony Trollope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope.md) · [The Prime Minister](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/the-prime-minister.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/the-prime-minister/your-man-with.md)

Topics: [politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/politics.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> When we pass from "I ought to do this" to "You think I ought to do this," it seems to us at first that we have weakened the imperative; actually, by externalizing it, we have made it unanswerable, for it is only ourselves that we can come to terms with.

[Mary McCarthy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-mccarthy.md) · [The Company She Keeps](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-mccarthy/the-company-she-keeps.md) · p. 147 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-mccarthy/the-company-she-keeps/when-we-pass.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Citizens who refuse to obey anything but their own conscience can transform countries, it is the basis of any real democracy.

[Gloria Steinem](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gloria-steinem.md) · [Revolution from Within](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gloria-steinem/revolution-from-within.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gloria-steinem/revolution-from-within/citizens-who-refuse.md)

Topics: [democracy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/democracy.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> He had the decency to be appalled by his own brutality.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Xenocide](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/xenocide.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/xenocide/he-had-the.md)

Topics: [violence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/violence.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> The Superego, in censoring the unconscious and in implanting conscience, also censors the censor.

[Herbert Marcuse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse.md) · [One-Dimensional Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man.md) · p. 76 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man/the-superego-in-censoring.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [psychology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/psychology.md)

> The people are led to find in the productive apparatus the effective agent of thought and action to which their personal thought and action can and must be surrendered. And in this transfer, the apparatus also assumes the role of a moral agent. Conscience is absolved by reification.

[Herbert Marcuse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse.md) · [One-Dimensional Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man.md) · p. 79 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man/the-people-are.md)

Topics: [technology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/technology.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.

[Harper Lee](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harper-lee.md) · [To Kill a Mockingbird](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harper-lee/to-kill-a-mockingbird.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harper-lee/to-kill-a-mockingbird/theyre-certainly-entitled.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> A peculiar virtue in wildlife ethics is that the hunter ordinarily has no gallery to applaud or disapprove of his conduct. Whatever his acts, they are dictated by his own conscience, rather than by a mob of onlookers. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of this fact.

[Aldo Leopold](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aldo-leopold.md) · [A Sand County Almanac](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aldo-leopold/a-sand-county-almanac.md) · p. 178 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/aldo-leopold/a-sand-county-almanac/a-peculiar-virtue.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> : And thou didst indeed dare to transgress that law?
>
> : Yes; for it was not Zeus that had published me that edict; not such are the laws set among men by the justice who dwells with the gods below; nor deemed I that thy decrees were of such force, that a mortal could override the unwritten and unfailing statutes of heaven. For their life is not of to-day or yesterday, but from all time, and no man knows when they were first put forth.

[Sophocles](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sophocles.md) · [Antigone](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sophocles/antigone.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sophocles/antigone/and-thou-didst.md)

Topics: [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> When a person tries to act in accordance with his conscience, when he tries to speak the truth, when he tries to behave like a citizen, even in conditions where citizenship is degraded, it won't necessarily lead anywhere, but it might. There's one thing, however, that will never lead anywhere, and that is speculating that such behavior will lead somewhere.

[Václav Havel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel.md) · [Disturbing the Peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel/disturbing-the-peace.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel/disturbing-the-peace/when-a-person.md)

Topics: [truth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/truth.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> When you know a friend is there you do not go to see him. Then he's gone and you blast your conscience to shreds that you did not see him.

[John Steinbeck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck.md) · [East of Eden](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/east-of-eden.md) · p. 292 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/east-of-eden/when-you-know.md)

Topics: [friendship](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/friendship.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I believe there are monsters born in the world to human parents. ... They are accidents and no one’s fault, as used to be thought. Once they were considered the visible punishments for concealed sins. And just as there are physical monsters, can there not be mental or psychic monsters born? The face and body may be perfect, but if a twisted gene or a malformed egg can produce physical monsters, may not the same process produce a malformed soul? ... Sometimes when we are little we imagine how it would be to have wings, but there is no reason to suppose it is the same feeling birds have. No, to a monster, the norm must seem monstrous since everyone is normal to himself. ... To a man born without conscience, a soul-stricken man must seem ridiculous. To a criminal, honesty is foolish.

[John Steinbeck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck.md) · [East of Eden](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/east-of-eden.md) · p. 71 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/east-of-eden/i-believe-there.md)

Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> What pillow can one have like a good conscience?

[John Steinbeck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck.md) · [Tortilla Flat](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/tortilla-flat.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/tortilla-flat/what-pillow-can.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Let us suppose that the great empire of China, with all its myriads of inhabitants, was suddenly swallowed up by an earthquake, and let us consider how a man of humanity in Europe, who had no sort of connection with that part of the world, would be affected upon receiving intelligence of this dreadful calamity. He would, I imagine, first of all, express very strongly his sorrow for the misfortune of that unhappy people, he would make many melancholy reflections upon the precariousness of human life, and the vanity of all the labours of man, which could thus be annihilated in a moment. He would too, perhaps, if he was a man of speculation, enter into many reasonings concerning the effects which this disaster might produce upon the commerce of Europe, and the trade and business of the world in general. And when all this fine philosophy was over, when all these humane sentiments had been once fairly expressed, he would pursue his business or his pleasure, take his repose or his diversion, with the same ease and tranquillity, as if no such accident had happened. The most frivolous disaster which could befall himself would occasion a more real disturbance. If he was to lose his little finger to-morrow, he would not sleep to-night; but, provided he never saw them, he will snore with the most profound security over the ruin of a hundred millions of his brethren, and the destruction of that immense multitude seems plainly an object less interesting to him, than this paltry misfortune of his own. To prevent, therefore, this paltry misfortune to himself, would a man of humanity be willing to sacrifice the lives of a hundred millions of his brethren, provided he had never seen them? Human nature startles with horror at the thought, and the world, in its greatest depravity and corruption, never produced such a villain as could be capable of entertaining it. But what makes this difference? When our passive feelings are almost always so sordid and so selfish, how comes it that our active principles should often be so generous and so noble? When we are always so much more deeply affected by whatever concerns ourselves, than by whatever concerns other men; what is it which prompts the generous, upon all occasions, and the mean upon many, to sacrifice their own interests to the greater interests of others? It is not the soft power of humanity, it is not that feeble spark of benevolence which Nature has lighted up in the human heart, that is thus capable of counteracting the strongest impulses of self-love. It is a stronger power, a more forcible motive, which exerts itself upon such occasions. It is reason, principle, conscience, the inhabitant of the breast, the man within, the great judge and arbiter of our conduct.

[Adam Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith.md) · [The Theory of Moral Sentiments](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments/let-us-suppose.md)

Topics: [selfishness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/selfishness.md), [empathy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/empathy.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> When the happiness or misery of others depends in any respect upon our conduct, we dare not, as self–love might suggest to us, prefer the interest of one to that of many. The man within immediately calls to us, that we value ourselves too much and other people too little, and that, by doing so, we render ourselves the proper object of the contempt and indignation of our brethren. Neither is this sentiment confined to men of extraordinary magnanimity and virtue. It is deeply impressed upon every tolerably good soldier, who feels that he would become the scorn of his companions, if he could be supposed capable of shrinking from danger, or of hesitating, either to expose or to throw away his life, when the good of the service required it.

[Adam Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith.md) · [The Theory of Moral Sentiments](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments/when-the-happiness.md)

Topics: [selfishness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/selfishness.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> When I endeavour to examine my own conduct, when I endeavour to pass sentence upon it, and either to approve or condemn it, it is evident that, in all such cases, I divide myself, as it were, into two persons; and that I, the examiner and judge, represent a different character from that other I, the person whose conduct is examined into and judged of.

[Adam Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith.md) · [The Theory of Moral Sentiments](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments/when-i-endeavour.md)

Topics: [self-knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/self-knowledge.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Mens sibi conscia recti.

[Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/mens-sibi-conscia.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I had known him for years in a casual way, but I had never seen very deeply into him. He seemed to me to have more conscience than is good for any man. A powerful conscience and no sense of humour — a dangerous combination.

[Robertson Davies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies.md) · [The Cornish Trilogy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-cornish-trilogy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-cornish-trilogy/i-had-known.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I know what a heavy burden everybody carries of the unconfessed, which sometimes appears to be unspeakable. Very often such stuff is not disgraceful or criminal; it is merely a sense of not having behaved well or having done something one knew to be contrary to someone else's good; of having snatched when one should have waited decently; of having turned a sharp corner when someone else was thereby left in a difficult situation; of having talked of the first-rate when was planning to do the second-rate; of having fallen below whatever standards one had set oneself.

[Robertson Davies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies.md) · [The Deptford Trilogy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-deptford-trilogy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-deptford-trilogy/i-know-what.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [shame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/shame.md)

> They talk of a man betraying his country, his friends, his sweetheart. There must be a moral bond first. All a man can betray is his conscience.

[Joseph Conrad](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad.md) · [Under Western Eyes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/under-western-eyes.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/under-western-eyes/they-talk-of-a-man.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [betrayal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/betrayal.md)

> [...] an earnest, an unceasing attention to self-interest, however its progress may be apparently obstructed, will do in securing every advantage of fortune, with no other sacrifice than that of time and conscience.

[Jane Austen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen.md) · [Sense and Sensibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/sense-and-sensibility.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/sense-and-sensibility/an-earnest-an-unceasing.md)

Topics: [selfishness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/selfishness.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be.

[Jane Austen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen.md) · [Mansfield Park](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/mansfield-park.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/mansfield-park/we-have-all.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> To say that his conscience was clear would be inaccurate, for he did not have a conscience, but he had what was much better, an alibi...

[P.G. Wodehouse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse.md) · [The Girl in Blue](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse/the-girl-in-blue.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse/the-girl-in-blue/to-say-that.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Another doctrine repugnant to Civill Society, is that whatsoever a man does against his Conscience, is Sinne; and it dependeth on the presumption of making himself judge of Good and Evill. For a man's Conscience and his Judgement are the same thing, and as the Judgement, so also the Conscience may be erroneous.

[Thomas Hobbes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-hobbes.md) · [Leviathan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-hobbes/leviathan.md) · p. 168 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-hobbes/leviathan/another-doctrine-repugnant.md)

Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> "You must all take instructions from me!" the conscience shrieks, in effect, to all the other mental processes. The other processes try it for a while, note that the conscience is unappeased, that it continues to shriek, and they note, too, that the outside world has not been even microscopically improved by the unselfish acts the conscience has demanded. They rebel at last. They pitch the tyrannous conscience down an oubliette, weld shut the manhole cover of that dark dungeon. They can hear the conscience no more. In the sweet silence, the mental processes look about for a new leader, and the leader most prompt to appear whenever the conscience is stilled, Enlightened Self-interest, does appear. Enlightened Self-interest gives them a flag, which they adore on sight. It is essentially the black and white Jolly Roger, with these words written beneath the skull and crossbones, 'The hell with you, Jack, I've got mine!"

[Kurt Vonnegut](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut.md) · [God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/god-bless-you-mr-rosewater.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/god-bless-you-mr-rosewater/you-must-all.md)

Topics: [selfishness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/selfishness.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> People talk about the conscience, but it seems to me one must just bring it up to a certain point and leave it there. You can let your conscience alone if you're nice to the second housemaid.

[Henry James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-james.md) · [The Awkward Age](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-james/the-awkward-age.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-james/the-awkward-age/people-talk-about.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> I mean that it is more natural for me to be wicked than virtuous, when I do a bad act, and I've done many, I never feel wither shame, remorse or fear, I sometimes wish it was not necessary as I don't like the trouble, but as for any moral sense of principle, I haven't a particle. Many people are like me as actions prove, but they are not so frank in owning it and insist on keeping up the humbug of virtue. You'll find that is true, Rose, when you know the world better.

[Louisa May Alcott](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott.md) · [A Long Fatal Love Chase](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott/a-long-fatal-love-chase.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott/a-long-fatal-love-chase/i-mean-that.md)

Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Actions may be laudable or blameable; but they cannot be reasonable: Laudable or blameable, therefore, are not the same with reasonable or unreasonable. The merit and demerit of actions frequently contradict, and sometimes controul our natural propensities. But reason has no such influence. Moral distinctions, therefore, are not the offspring of reason. Reason is wholly inactive, and can never be the source of so active a principle as conscience, or a sense of morals.

[David Hume](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume.md) · [A Treatise of Human Nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume/a-treatise-of-human-nature.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume/a-treatise-of-human-nature/actions-may-be-laudable.md)

Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [reason](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reason.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> His mind was destitute of that dread which has been erroneously decried as if it were nothing higher than a man's animal care for his own skin: that awe of the Divine Nemesis which was felt by religious pagans, and, though it took a more positive form under Christianity, is still felt by the mass of mankind simply as a vague fear at anything which is called wrong-doing. Such terror of the unseen is so far above mere sensual cowardice that it will annihilate that cowardice: it is the initial recognition of a moral law restraining desire, and checks the hard bold scrutiny of imperfect thought into obligations which can never be proved to have any sanctity in the absence of feeling.

[George Eliot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot.md) · [Romola](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/romola.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/romola/his-mind-was.md)

Topics: [fear](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fear.md), [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God, and value it next to a good conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of; a blessing that money cannot buy.

[Izaak Walton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/izaak-walton.md) · [The Compleat Angler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/izaak-walton/the-compleat-angler.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/izaak-walton/the-compleat-angler/look-to-your.md)

Topics: [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [health](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/health.md)

> "Dear Emile, I am glad indeed to hear you speak like a man, and to behold the feelings of your heart. At your age this exaggerated unselfishness is not unpleasing. It will decrease when you have children of your own, and then you will be just what a good father and a wise man ought to be. I knew what the result would be before our travels; I knew that when you saw our institutions you would be far from reposing a confidence in them which they do not deserve. In vain do we seek freedom under the power of the laws. The laws! Where is there any law? Where is there any respect for law? Under the name of law you have everywhere seen the rule of self-interest and human passion. But the eternal laws of nature and of order exist. For the wise man they take the place of positive law; they are written in the depths of his heart by conscience and reason; let him obey these laws and be free; for there is no slave but the evil-doer, for he always does evil against his will. Liberty is not to be found in any form of government, she is in the heart of the free man, he bears her with him everywhere. The vile man bears his slavery in himself; the one would be a slave in Geneva, the other free in Paris.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/dear-emile-i-am-glad.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> There is a stage of degradation which robs the soul of its life; and the inner voice cannot be heard by one whose whole mind is bent on getting food.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/there-is-a-stage.md)

Topics: [poverty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/poverty.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [hunger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hunger.md)

> We have reached the moral order at last; we have just taken the second step towards manhood. If this were the place for it, I would try to show how the first impulses of the heart give rise to the first stirrings of conscience, and how from the feelings of love and hatred spring the first notions of good and evil. I would show that justice and kindness are no mere abstract terms, no mere moral conceptions framed by the understanding, but true affections of the heart enlightened by reason, the natural outcome of our primitive affections; that by reason alone, unaided by conscience, we cannot establish any natural law, and that all natural right is a vain dream if it does not rest upon some instinctive need of the human heart.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/we-have-reached.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [kindness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/kindness.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> Conscience is the voice of the soul; the passions are the voice of the body.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/conscience-is-the.md)

Topics: [soul](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/soul.md), [passion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/passion.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> It is a mistake to classify the passions as lawful and unlawful, so as to yield to the one and refuse the other. All alike are good if we are their masters; all alike are bad if we abandon ourselves to them. Nature forbids us to extend our relations beyond the limits of our strength; reason forbids us to want what we cannot get, conscience forbids us, not to be tempted, but to yield to temptation. To feel or not to feel a passion is beyond our control, but we can control ourselves. Every sentiment under our own control is lawful; those which control us are criminal. A man is not guilty if he loves his neighbour's wife, provided he keeps this unhappy passion under the control of the law of duty; he is guilty if he loves his own wife so greatly as to sacrifice everything to that love.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/it-is-a-mistake.md)

Topics: [passion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/passion.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md), [self-control](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/self-control.md)

> Conscience is the guardian in the individual of the rules which the community has evolved for its own preservation.

[William Somerset Maugham](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham.md) · [The Moon And Sixpence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/the-moon-and-sixpence.md) · p. 54 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/the-moon-and-sixpence/conscience-is-the.md)

Topics: [society](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/society.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)