Basil Quote by Oscar Wilde
“Conscience and cowardice are really the same things, Basil. Conscience is the trade-name of the firm. That is all.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Lady Windermere’s Fan, 1892
Conscience and cowardice are essentially the same; conscience is just a label for fear.
In simple terms: Fear masquerades as conscience.
Key Takeaway
Recognize fear behind moral judgments.
Themes
morality
fear
self‑deception
Mood
reflective
wry
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- ethical decision‑making
- self‑reflection
- conflict resolution
- leadership training
Key Concepts
psychology of ethics
personal responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine conscience from fear?
- What role does bravery play in ethical choices?
A Different Perspective
Moral reasoning often involves rationalizing fear rather than confronting it.
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