They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
Harper LeeRead
The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A person's conscience is independent and cannot be swayed by majority opinion.
This quote emphasizes the idea that individual moral judgment, or conscience, is a personal and intrinsic compass that guides decisions and actions, regardless of the beliefs or opinions of the larger group. It suggests that true integrity comes from within and that one should remain true to their own values and beliefs even when faced with external pressures to conform.
Themes
ConscienceIntegrityMoralityIndividualityBelief
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about personal ethics and integrity.
More from Harper Lee
All quotes →It's better to be silent than to be a fool.
Harper LeeRead
Don’t talk like that, Dill,” said Aunt Alexandra. “It’s not becoming to a child. It’s – cynical.” “I ain’t cynical, Miss Alexandra. Tellin’ the truth’s not cynical, is it?” “The way you tell it, it is.
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With him, life was routine; without him, life was unbearable.
Harper LeeRead
He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.
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You can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't.
Harper LeeRead
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Vile worm, thou wast o'erlook'd even in thy birth.
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Thought is essentially practical in the sense that but for thought no motion would be an action, no change a progress.
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