Conscience Quote by Irvine Welsh
““A standing prick hath no conscience. And if that standing prick is attached to Bruce Robertson then it hath less than no conscience. You can't afford a conscience in this life, that has become a luxury for the rich and a social ball and chain for the rest of us. Even if I wanted one, which I certainly do not, I wouldn't have the faintest idea as how to go about getting one.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, 1993
Moral conscience is portrayed as a luxury unavailable to most, especially the poor, and the speaker dismisses its value.
In simple terms: Conscience is a costly luxury for the poor.
Key Takeaway
Question conscience, focus on survival.
Themes
poverty
morality
social critique
class
consciousness
Mood
cynical
defiant
critical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily struggle
- political activism
- personal survival
- social commentary
- economic inequality
Key Concepts
existentialism
capitalism
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is conscience truly a luxury?
- How does class affect moral responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Even if one wanted a conscience, societal structures may prevent its development.
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
