Conscience Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“The laws of conscience, which we pretend to be derived from nature, proceed from Custom.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays, Book I, 1580
Customs shape our sense of morality more than nature does.
In simple terms: Society's habits form our conscience.
Key Takeaway
Question your assumptions about moral origins.
Themes
morality
custom
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- lawmaking
- personal ethics
- cultural critique
Key Concepts
social constructivism
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- What customs influence your moral judgments?
- Can you distinguish natural from socially imposed values?
A Different Perspective
Customs can perpetuate harmful norms.
