Arms Quote by William Shakespeare
“Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls; Conscience is but a work that cowards use, Devised at first to keep the strong in awe: Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law!”
About This Quote
Source Play: Henry VI, Part 2, Act 2, Scene 2, 1591
Conscience can be used as a tool by the cowardly to control the strong, turning moral duty into a weapon.
In simple terms: Conscience may be misused to dominate.
Key Takeaway
Beware of conscience used for manipulation.
Themes
power
morality
control
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- legal systems
- personal decision making
- social movements
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
politics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is conscience a true guide?
- How can we distinguish genuine conscience from manipulation?
A Different Perspective
Conscience also guides genuine moral behavior.
