"La conscience est la voix intérieure qui nous avertit que quelqu'un peut regarder"
— H. L. Mencken
Simplified Meaning:
When we talk about conscience, we are referring to that internal feeling that helps us decide if something is right or wrong. It's like having a small voice inside our head that alerts us when our actions could be seen by others. Imagine you find a wallet full of money on the street. Your conscience kicks in and makes you think about returning it instead of keeping it because it feels like the right thing to do, even if nobody is watching you. This internal guide helps us behave properly and usually aligns with social values and morals. For instance, even when you're alone and you decide not to cheat on a test, that's your conscience reminding you that cheating is dishonest. By listening to this inner voice, we can make better choices that reflect our true character. It helps us act responsibly and consider how our actions affect others. Acting on our conscience often leads to feeling good about ourselves because we know we've done the right thing, even when it's difficult.