Conscience Quote by Victor Hugo
““We are never done, then, with conscience. Make up your mind what to do with it, Brutus; make up your mind what to do with it, Cato. It is without end, being God. We throw into this bottomless pit a lifetime of labor, we throw into it our fortune, we throw into it our success, we throw into it our liberty or our country, we throw into it our well-being, we throw into it our repose, we throw into it our joy. More! More! More! Empty the vessel! Tip out the urn! We are forced in the end to throw in our hearts. Somewhere in the mists of the old underworld there is a barrel like that.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Burden of Conscience", 1845
Conscience demands endless sacrifice, urging us to continually give of ourselves, even beyond material wealth.
In simple terms: We must keep giving despite limits.
Key Takeaway
Give continuously.
Themes
conscience
selflessness
philosophy
sacrifice
eternity
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- social activism
- ethical decision making
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
moral duty
existentialism
spirituality
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the limits of self-sacrifice?
- How do we balance personal well‑being with moral duty?
A Different Perspective
Endless giving can lead to burnout.
