Conscience Quote by from the Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas
““...if you wish to tell me what crime I have committed, explain to me in what a crime consists. For as my conscience does not accuse me, I aver that I am not a criminal.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Man in the Iron Mask, 1847
A person should define crime by personal conscience; if conscience is clear, they are not criminal.
In simple terms: Define crime by conscience; if conscience clear, not a criminal.
Key Takeaway
Examine personal conscience before judging actions.
Themes
ethics
conscience
law
personal responsibility
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
Conscience:1
Crime:1
Ethics:1
Tell Crime:0
Consists Conscience:0
Explain Crime:0
Crime Consists:0
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- personal confession
- ethical debate
- law school discussion
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
legal definition
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your conscience say about your actions?
- How do societies define crime beyond personal conscience?
A Different Perspective
May ignore societal norms; conscience can be biased.
![“[D]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without a conscience a man may never be said to grow old. This is an age of very old young men.” quote by Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/076/hesketh-pearson-35291_age_d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-w_14010.jpg)
