A list of conscience quotes and conscience proverbs to make you start thinking. Enjoy!
A good conscience is a soft pillow. ~German Proverb
When freedom does not have a purpose, when it does not wish to know anything about the rule of law engraved in the hearts of men and women, when it does not listen to the voice of conscience, it turns against humanity and society. ~Pope John Paul II
Conscience betrays guilt. ~Latin Proverb.
Every judgement of conscience, be it right or wrong, be it about things evil in themselves or morally indifferent, is obligatory, in such wise that he who acts against his conscience always sins. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Conscience is the voice of the soul. ~Polish Proverb.
The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience. ~Mohandas Gandhi
The belly does not have a conscience. ~German Proverb
Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it. ~Albert Einstein
Don’t hang your conscience on your back. ~Chinese Proverb
There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts. ~Mohandas Gandhi
A guilty conscience feels continual fear. ~Chinese Proverb.
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. ~Thomas Jefferson
Clear conscience never fears midnight knocking. ~Chinese Proverb
In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place. ~Mohandas Gandhi
A clear conscience is the greatest armor. ~Chinese Proverb.
A good conscience is a continual Christmas. ~Benjamin Franklin
A guilty conscience needs no accuser. ~Dutch Proverb.
War is so unjust and ugly that all who wage it must try to stifle the voice of conscience within themselves. ~Leo Tolstoy
A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder. ~English Proverb.
Conscience is the inner voice that warns us that someone might be looking. ~H. L. Mencken
No one else can represent your conscience. ~Native American Proverb.
Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune. ~Carl Jung
The best asset is a clean conscience. ~Polish Proverb.
Conscience is God present in man. ~Victor Hugo
Conscience is as good as a thousand witnesses. ~Italian Proverb.
There is no witness so terrible and no accuser so powerful as conscience which dwells within us. ~Sophocles
Conscience is a man’s compass. ~Vincent Van Gogh
Conscience is the chamber of justice. ~Italian Proverb.
The first and greatest punishment of the sinner is the conscience of sin. ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Be the master of your will and the slave of your conscience.. Hasidic Proverb.
A clear and innocent conscience fears nothing. ~Elizabeth I
A guilty conscience is a hidden enemy. ~American Indian Proverb.
Conscience is our unerring judge until we finally stifle it. ~Honore de Balzac
Conscience is only another name for truth. ~American Proverb.
Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does. ~Josh Billings
You can’t kid your conscience. ~American Proverb.
O conscience, upright and stainless, how bitter a sting to thee is a little fault! ~Dante Alighieri
A clear conscience is more valuable than wealth. ~Filipino Proverb.
Conscience is the perfect interpreter of life. ~Karl Barth
Conscience, that inner compass guiding our moral decisions, has been a subject of reflection, wisdom, and proverbial insight across cultures and centuries. From German proverbs to the words of spiritual leaders like Pope John Paul II and St. Thomas Aquinas, let’s embark on a journey to explore the profound wisdom encapsulated in quotes about conscience.
A Good Conscience is a Soft Pillow
“A good conscience is a soft pillow.” – German Proverb
This German proverb immediately conjures images of comfort and serenity. It tells us that nothing provides a more peaceful night’s sleep than a clear conscience. When we act in alignment with our values and principles, we can rest easy, free from the turmoil of guilt or regret. It reminds us that the tranquility of a sound conscience is an invaluable treasure.
Conscience and the Purpose of Freedom
“When freedom does not have a purpose, when it does not wish to know anything about the rule of law engraved in the hearts of men and women, when it does not listen to the voice of conscience, it turns against humanity and society.” – Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II’s words resonate deeply with the idea that freedom carries a responsibility. He warns that freedom devoid of moral purpose and devoid of the guidance of conscience can lead to chaos and harm. This quote challenges us to recognize the importance of aligning our freedom with a well-informed and morally guided conscience to ensure it benefits society and humanity.
Conscience as the Revealer of Guilt
“Conscience betrays guilt.” – Latin Proverb
This concise Latin proverb underscores the role of conscience as an instrument that reveals our innermost thoughts and deeds. It suggests that when we harbor guilt or wrongdoing, our conscience acts as an unyielding accuser, relentlessly bringing our transgressions to light. It serves as a powerful reminder that our conscience cannot be silenced when we stray from the path of righteousness.
The Moral Obligation of Conscience
“Every judgement of conscience, be it right or wrong, be it about things evil in themselves or morally indifferent, is obligatory, in such wise that he who acts against his conscience always sins.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas, a renowned philosopher and theologian, expounds upon the moral weight of one’s conscience. He asserts that the judgments of conscience, regardless of their accuracy, carry moral obligations. To act against one’s conscience is, in itself, a transgression. This quote reminds us of the profound responsibility we bear in heeding the voice of our conscience.
Conscience as the Voice of the Soul
“Conscience is the voice of the soul.” – Polish Proverb
In this Polish proverb, the connection between conscience and the soul is beautifully articulated. It suggests that our conscience is not merely a mental faculty but a deeper, spiritual aspect of our being. It is the voice that resonates with our true selves, guiding us towards moral choices and ethical conduct. This quote celebrates the profound spiritual nature of conscience.
The Still Small Voice of Conscience
“The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s perspective on the voice of conscience is a testament to its quiet yet profound influence. He contrasts it with the human voice, suggesting that conscience reaches depths and distances beyond the reach of spoken words. This quote encourages us to listen attentively to our inner moral compass, recognizing its enduring wisdom.
The Unfeeling Belly and Moral Choice
“The belly does not have a conscience.” – German Proverb
This German proverb employs a touch of humor to underscore the separation between bodily desires and moral consciousness. It humorously reminds us that our physical appetites and desires lack a conscience to guide them. Instead, the responsibility for moral choices lies within us, separate from the cravings of the belly.
The Defiance of Conscience in the Face of Authority
“Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it.” – Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, celebrated for his scientific brilliance, also had profound insights into matters of conscience. In this quote, he firmly asserts that no external authority, not even the state, should compel us to act against our own moral compass. It serves as a reminder of the importance of moral integrity and the willingness to stand up for what is right.
Conscience and the Need for Self-Reflection
“Don’t hang your conscience on your back.” – Chinese Proverb
This Chinese proverb implores us not to ignore or neglect our conscience. Instead, it urges us to carry it with us, like a guiding light on our journey through life. It emphasizes the value of self-reflection and moral awareness, reminding us that our conscience should be an ever-present companion.
The Supreme Court of Conscience
“There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s assertion about the supremacy of the court of conscience underscores his unwavering commitment to moral principles. He believed that our conscience, as the ultimate judge, holds more authority than any human-made legal system. This quote challenges us to prioritize ethical values above all else and to heed the guidance of our inner moral compass.
The Fear of a Guilty Conscience
“A guilty conscience feels continual fear.” – Chinese Proverb
This Chinese proverb poignantly captures the torment experienced by a guilty conscience. It suggests that the burden of guilt casts a perpetual shadow of fear and anxiety. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the emotional and psychological toll of moral transgressions.
The Consequence of Silence
“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” – Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s Founding Fathers, recognized the power of individual conscience in the face of tyranny. He admonishes that when those of good conscience choose silence in the presence of oppression, they inadvertently aid the oppressors. This quote calls upon us to recognize the responsibility we bear to speak out against injustice.
The Assurance of a Clear Conscience
“Clear conscience never fears midnight knocking.” – Chinese Proverb
This Chinese proverb paints a vivid picture of the peace that comes with a clear conscience. It suggests that when our moral slate is clean, we can rest assured, even in the darkest hours. It serves as a reminder that a life lived with integrity and honesty brings a sense of security and serenity.
Conscience and the Law of the Majority
“In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s perspective challenges the notion that the will of the majority should dictate matters of conscience. He believed that ethical decisions should not be subject to popular vote, emphasizing the importance of individual moral judgment. This quote calls upon us to uphold our moral convictions, even in the face of prevailing opinions.
The Protective Armor of a Clear Conscience
“A clear conscience is the greatest armor.” – Chinese Proverb
This Chinese proverb beautifully illustrates the concept of a clear conscience as a form of protection. It suggests that a conscience untainted by wrongdoing provides the most robust defense against life’s challenges. It reminds us that moral integrity serves as a safeguard for our well-being.
A Continual Christmas of the Soul
“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” – Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin’s quote likens the presence of a good conscience to the perpetual joy and celebration associated with Christmas. It implies that living with moral integrity brings about a sense of festivity and contentment that endures throughout the year. It encourages us to cherish the gift of a clear conscience.
The Inescapable Accuser
“A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” – Dutch Proverb
This Dutch proverb succinctly conveys the idea that a guilty conscience serves as its own accuser. It suggests that the weight of guilt and wrongdoing is sufficient to torment the individual, obviating the need for external accusations. It serves as a stark reminder of the internal consequences of moral transgressions.
Conscience and the Repudiation of War
“War is so unjust and ugly that all who wage it must try to stifle the voice of conscience within themselves.” – Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy, renowned for his literary works, held strong pacifist beliefs. In this quote, he reflects on the intrinsic injustice and ugliness of war. He suggests that those who engage in war must suppress their consciences to justify their actions. This quote serves as a powerful critique of the moral toll of armed conflicts.
The Serenity of a Quiet Conscience
“A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.” – English Proverb
This English proverb vividly portrays the serenity of a quiet conscience. It suggests that even amidst the most tumultuous storms or challenges in life, a clear conscience allows for peaceful slumber. It underscores the profound peace that accompanies moral rectitude.
Conscience Amidst the Noise of the World
“Conscience is the inner voice that warns us that someone might be looking.” – H. L. Mencken
H. L. Mencken’s quote adds a touch of humor to the concept of conscience. It suggests that our inner moral compass, our conscience, often awakens when we fear scrutiny or judgment from others. It serves as a witty commentary on the human tendency to heed our conscience when we perceive an external audience.
Conscience as the Sole Representative
“No one else can represent your conscience.” – Native American Proverb
This Native American proverb underscores the individuality of conscience. It emphasizes that each person is solely responsible for representing and adhering to their own moral compass. It serves as a reminder that our conscience is a deeply personal guide, requiring our unwavering attention.
The Invaluable Treasure of a Clear Conscience
“A clear conscience is more valuable than wealth.” – Filipino Proverb
This Filipino proverb draws a sharp distinction between material riches and the priceless value of a clear conscience. It suggests that no amount of wealth can outweigh the importance of moral integrity. It challenges us to prioritize ethical conduct above material gain.
Conscience as Life’s Interpreter
“Conscience is the perfect interpreter of life.” – Karl Barth
Karl Barth’s quote extols the role of conscience as a flawless interpreter of life’s complexities. It suggests that our conscience possesses an innate wisdom that allows us to navigate the intricacies of human existence. This quote encourages us to trust our conscience as a guide in our life’s journey.
Conscience, a silent yet powerful force within us, serves as a moral compass, guiding our actions and decisions. These quotes from various cultures and thinkers illuminate the significance of conscience in our lives. They remind us that listening to the voice of conscience, upholding moral integrity, and staying true to our values are essential aspects of being human. In a world often filled with moral dilemmas, these quotes offer guidance and inspiration, encouraging us to live with clarity, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility towards ourselves and others.