About this quote

Crowds, bosses, and fear all compete to run your conduct, but only one authority has a real claim on it. Answering to conscience means it can overrule applause and pressure alike. That inner voice is demanding precisely because you cannot bargain it into silence.

When to use it

• Turning down a lucrative deal that would require quietly misleading customers.
• Refusing to join in when the whole group turns on someone, despite the pressure.
• Owning a mistake no one would ever have found because hiding it wasn't livable.