"Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last."

Sometimes we mix up sticking to the norm with being morally right, and that can be pretty dangerous. Just because something's always been done a certain way doesn't mean it's the right or moral way to do it. And, acting all holier-than-thou doesn't necessarily make someone truly religious or spiritual. The quote highlights this distinction, warning us that criticizing traditional ways or calling out self-righteous behavior doesn't mean we're attacking morality or faith itself.

This was said by Charlotte Brontë in her preface to the second edition of *Jane Eyre*. Back in 1847, when she wrote this, Victorian England was rigid with its societal and moral norms. Anything that deviated from the conventional path was often frowned upon or outright condemned. Brontë was trying to explain that challenging societal norms and calling out hypocrisy didn't mean she was attacking the essence of morality or religion. It’s a distinction that’s still incredibly relevant today.

Think about the civil rights movements throughout history. In the 1960s, people like Martin Luther King Jr. stood up against the conventionality of segregation. The laws and societal norms of the time dictated that African Americans were to be treated as second-class citizens. King and many others shattered those norms, showing that just because something was conventional didn’t mean it was right. They were often labeled as troublemakers or even immoral by those clinging to the status quo, but history now views them as moral leaders. Their fight wasn't about rejecting morality, but about seeking true justice and equality.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by questioning the status quo. Just because "it's always been done this way" doesn’t mean it’s the best or most moral way to proceed. Reflect on the motivations behind actions and beliefs. Are they rooted in genuine morality, or are they merely the product of conventional thinking? And it’s key to approach these reflections with humility. Self-righteousness can blind us to our own flaws and lead us down a path that's more about feeling superior than being truly good.

Imagine you’re in a workplace where there’s a long-standing practice of promoting people based more on tenure than on merit. Everyone’s used to it; it’s just what’s always been done. But you notice that this is demotivating for the younger, more innovative employees. They feel their hard work and creativity aren't valued. Now, if you speak up about changing this system, you might face resistance. People might accuse you of being disrespectful or rebellious. However, you’re not attacking the core values of hard work and dedication – you’re challenging a conventional practice that isn’t serving the team well.

Let’s wrap this up with a little story. Picture a small town where every Sunday, folks gather at the same old church. The sermons are always about following the rules laid down by their ancestors. One day, a new preacher comes along. She starts talking about loving thy neighbor in practical terms – helping the homeless, supporting refugees, standing up against injustice. Some townsfolk grumble, feeling she’s straying from tradition. But she’s actually bringing them closer to the true essence of their faith, which is about compassion and love, not just ticking boxes of do’s and don’ts.

So, next time you find yourself confronting a “we’ve always done it this way” situation, remember Brontë’s words. Challenge the norm, but do it with a heart that's seeking true goodness, not just change for change’s sake. And stay humble – we're all in this messy, beautiful human experience together.