Conscience Meaning
Conscience Definition & Usage
The inner sense of what is morally right or wrong in one’s actions or thoughts; a person's moral compass.
Examples
- "Her conscience wouldn't allow her to lie about the accident."
- "After the argument, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his conscience was troubling him."
- "He acted out of a clear sense of conscience, standing up for what he believed was right."
- "The decision weighed heavily on his conscience, even though it was a business choice."
- "She tried to ignore her conscience, but it kept nudging her to apologize."
A sense of guilt or moral unease caused by past actions or decisions, often leading to self-reflection or regret.
Examples
- "He felt his conscience gnawing at him for not doing more to help."
- "Her conscience finally caught up with her after years of avoiding the truth."
- "The weight of his past actions burdened his conscience daily."
- "She couldn’t escape the feeling of conscience that followed her after the betrayal."
- "His conscience led him to confess his wrongdoings to the authorities."
A concept in many religious or philosophical traditions that represents the moral or ethical awareness granted to humans as a divine gift or a product of rational thought.
Examples
- "According to many religious teachings, one's conscience is a guide to living a righteous life."
- "Philosophers like Kant saw the conscience as an essential part of human dignity and morality."
- "She turned to her conscience for guidance in making a difficult decision about her future."
- "The priest advised the congregation to follow their conscience in matters of personal faith."
- "In many spiritual traditions, conscience is viewed as a bridge between human desires and divine laws."
Cultural Context
The word 'conscience' originates from the Latin 'conscientia', meaning 'knowledge within oneself'. Historically, the concept of conscience has been central in ethical discussions, especially in relation to moral behavior and responsibility. In religious contexts, conscience is often depicted as a voice or a guiding force that urges individuals toward right action. Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant linked conscience with autonomy and the capacity for moral judgment.
The Whisper of the Conscience
Story
The Whisper of the Conscience
Lena sat alone in the dim light of her small apartment, a cup of tea growing cold in front of her. The evening outside was quiet, with only the occasional car passing by. Yet, her mind was anything but still. She had just received an offer to work for a company that she had always dreamed of joining, but something didn’t sit right. The company’s practices, though legally sound, went against her personal beliefs. As Lena pondered the decision, her conscience stirred within her. It wasn’t just a simple feeling; it was a powerful voice urging her to consider her values above everything else. 'What good is success if it costs me my integrity?' she thought, recalling the long talks she’d had with her grandmother, who had always stressed the importance of living with a clear conscience. Lena’s heart wavered, and she realized that her conscience was not just a small voice—it was a guide that had been cultivated over years of experience and reflection. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from her best friend, Rachel. 'So, have you made your decision yet? I know how much this job means to you.' Lena stared at the message, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. She could hear her conscience once again, reminding her that the right choice wasn’t always the easiest one. Lena’s dilemma wasn’t just about the job offer; it was about aligning her life with her values. Could she compromise and live with the weight of her decision? Or would she choose the path that felt right in her heart? The next morning, Lena declined the job offer, choosing to continue her search for work that aligned more with her ethical beliefs. Her conscience, though uneasy at first, felt lighter as the days passed. She knew she had made the right choice. In this story, the word 'conscience' is used to represent both a moral compass and the internal struggle that accompanies decisions where ethics are in question. It highlights the psychological weight that one's conscience can carry, particularly when faced with challenging choices.
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