Character Quote by Joe Abercrombie
““Conscience is a burden we choose to bear. Morality is the lie we tell ourselves to make its bearing easier.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Blade Itself, 2006
Choosing conscience feels heavy, yet we accept it; morality eases that weight with comforting falsehoods.
In simple terms: Conscience is heavy; morality is a comforting lie.
Key Takeaway
Accept the burden, question the lie.
Themes
morality
conscience
selfdeception
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal decision
- ethical dilemmas
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you accept your conscience or the lie?
- How does self‑deception affect choices?
A Different Perspective
Morality can become self‑justifying, obscuring truth.
![“[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)
