Bits Quote by George Eliot
“I don't remember ever being see-saw, when I'd made my mind up that a thing was wrong. It takes the taste out o' my mouth for things, when I know I should have a heavy conscience after 'em. I've seen pretty clear, ever since I could cast up a sum, as you can never do what's wrong without breeding sin and trouble more than you can ever see. It's like a bit o' bad workmanship--you never see th' end o' the mischief it'll do. And it's a poor look-out to come into the world to make your fellow creatures worse off instead o' better.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Middlemarch by George Eliot, 1871
The quote warns that ignoring moral conscience leads to hidden, escalating harm, corrupting both self and society.
In simple terms: Ignoring conscience creates hidden damage.
Key Takeaway
Listen to conscience, act responsibly.
Themes
morality
consequence
integrity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- leadership
- community building
- policy making
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
cumulative harm
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when small compromises become harmful?
- What steps can you take to align actions with conscience?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting conscience may be rationalized as minor, but harms compound over time.
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