"Conscience is but a word that cowards use, devised at first to keep the strong in awe "

This quote really digs into the idea that sometimes what we think of as our "conscience" might just be an excuse to avoid taking bold actions. It's suggesting that the concept of conscience was invented to make even the strong second-guess themselves and stay in line. Think about it – how often do we hold back from doing something because we're worried it's not the "right" thing to do? This quote is saying that maybe that inner voice isn't always about morality, but about fear.

Historically, this quote comes from Shakespeare's play "Richard III". In the play, Richard is a character who is ruthless and will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He's the one who says this line, basically arguing that the idea of conscience is something people use to control others. This might have been Shakespeare’s way of showing us how people in power can manipulate noble ideas for their own gain.

Now, let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Imagine you're at work and you notice a colleague cutting corners on a project. Part of you wants to report it because it's the "right" thing to do, but another part of you hesitates. Maybe you worry about the fallout – the colleague could get in trouble, the team might face scrutiny, or you might be seen as a snitch. That hesitation? That’s your conscience working. But what if, just for a moment, you considered that this inner debate is less about right and wrong and more about fear? Fear of confrontation, fear of consequences. In this light, the idea of conscience can sometimes seem like a tool to keep us from rocking the boat.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, recognize when you’re using your conscience as a shield. Are you avoiding a tough decision because it's genuinely wrong or because it's just uncomfortable? Next time you're faced with such a dilemma, pause. Ask yourself: is my hesitation about morality or just fear? It’s a subtle difference, but an important one.

Picture this: You’ve always wanted to start your own business. You’ve got the idea, the plan, the resources. But every time you get close to taking the plunge, that little voice in your head whispers all the reasons you shouldn't. It’s risky, you could fail, it’s not the "responsible" thing to do. But what if those thoughts are more about fear than genuine moral concerns? What if your supposed "conscience" is just a mask for your anxiety about stepping into the unknown?

In a way, this quote is encouraging us to question our motivations. It’s not about throwing morality out the window, but about being honest with ourselves. Sometimes, the strong do need to be in awe – of their own potential. So next time you’re on the fence, think about whether it’s really your conscience talking or just a fear of making waves. You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of when you stop letting that inner voice of doubt take the wheel.