Conscience Quote by Bob Dylan
“Every man's conscience is vile and depraved / You cannot depend on it to be your guide when it’s you who must keep it satisfied.”
About This Quote
Source Song: "All Along the Watchtower", 1967 (ly)
The quote reflects a cynical view of human conscience, portraying it as corrupt and unreliable, urging self-reliance over moral guidance.
In simple terms: Conscience is corrupt; don’t rely on it.
Key Takeaway
Trust personal judgment over a flawed conscience.
Themes
morality
self-reliance
skepticism
human nature
philosophy
Mood
reflective
skeptical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- ethical debates
- creative writing
- self-reflection
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
existentialism
psychology of guilt
Questions to Reflect On
- Can conscience ever be trustworthy?
- How do we balance self-reliance with moral standards?
A Different Perspective
It may dismiss genuine moral intuition and collective ethics.
