Conscience Quote by Martin Luther King, Jr
“On some positions, cowardice asks the question, is it expedient? And then expedience comes along and asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? Conscience asks the question, is it right? There comes a time when one must take the position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence", 1967
Conscience demands action that may be unsafe, unpopular, or politically inconvenient, but is morally right.
In simple terms: Do what is right despite risks or popularity.
Key Takeaway
Act on conscience, not convenience.
Themes
morality
courage
politics
integrity
Mood
determined
reflective
serious
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- leadership
- policy decisions
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
ethical duty
civil disobedience
moral courage
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do when rightness conflicts with safety?
- How can you support those who choose the difficult moral path?
A Different Perspective
May face backlash, isolation, or failure if others oppose.
