As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
William ShakespeareRead
Conscience is but a word that cowards use, devised at first to keep the strong in awe
Interpretation
What this quote means
Conscience is often used by the weak to control the strong, suggesting that true strength doesn't rely on moral constraints.
This quote by William Shakespeare reflects on the nature of conscience and its relationship to power and bravery. It suggests that conscience is a concept created to hold back the bold and powerful by instilling fear and guilt, implying that those who are truly strong do not need such constructs to guide their actions. It invites us to question the authenticity of moral frameworks and whether they serve more to benefit the frightened than to guide the courageous.
Themes
ConscienceStrengthCowardiceMoralityPower
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a philosophical debate about the nature of morality and strength.
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