“ before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience. ”
Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960). copy citation
| Author | Harper Lee |
|---|---|
| Source | To Kill a Mockingbird |
| Topic | conscience self integrity |
| Date | 1960 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=YW5udXJpc2xhbWljc2Nob... |
Context
“This case, Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience—Scout, I couldn't go to church and worship God if I didn't try to help that man.»
«Atticus, you must be wrong…»
«How's that?»
«Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong…»
«They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions,» said Atticus, «but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.»
When Jem returned, he found me still in Atticus's lap, «Well, son?» said Atticus. He set me on my feet, and I made a secret reconnaissance of Jem. He seemed to be all in one piece, but he had a queer look on his face.” source
«Atticus, you must be wrong…»
«How's that?»
«Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong…»
«They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions,» said Atticus, «but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.»
When Jem returned, he found me still in Atticus's lap, «Well, son?» said Atticus. He set me on my feet, and I made a secret reconnaissance of Jem. He seemed to be all in one piece, but he had a queer look on his face.” source
Meaning and analysis
