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There is nothing in the whole frame of man which seems to me so unaccountable as that thing called conscience.
Robert Burns
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Conscience is a complex aspect of human nature that is difficult to understand.

In this quote, Robert Burns reflects on the enigmatic nature of conscience, suggesting that it is a mysterious and unexplainable aspect of humanity. He implies that, despite our understanding of many human traits and behaviors, conscience remains an elusive and profound element, illustrating the complexity of moral judgment and ethical reasoning within individuals.

Themes

ConscienceHuman NatureMoral JudgmentEthicsMystery

In practice

Example use cases

In a conversation about ethical decision-making, one might say, 'As Robert Burns noted, there is nothing in the whole frame of man which seems so unaccountable as that thing called conscience.'

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