Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right?
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote presents a contrast between different motivations that drive human decision-making. It highlights the role of conscience as a moral compass that guides individuals towards what is ethically right, in contrast to motivations rooted in fear, self-interest, or superficial concerns.
Cowardice, as mentioned in the quote, represents a mindset driven by fear and the desire to avoid risks or potential harm. It prioritizes personal safety and comfort over moral considerations. Expediency refers to the pursuit of short-term advantages or personal gain, often at the expense of long-term principles and values. Vanity relates to the need for validation, popularity, and social acceptance, which can lead individuals to make choices based on public opinion rather than ethical judgment.
In contrast, conscience represents an internal sense of right and wrong, grounded in personal values, empathy, and a commitment to justice. It urges individuals to consider the ethical implications of their choices and to prioritize what is morally right, even when it may involve personal sacrifice or going against prevailing norms.
The quote invites individuals to reflect on their own decision-making processes and to evaluate the motives that influence their actions. It encourages people to cultivate the courage and integrity to listen to their conscience, to rise above fear, expediency, and vanity, and to make choices based on a genuine commitment to doing what is right.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right?" was said by Martin Luther King (Bio / Quotes). Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights activist and Baptist minister who became one of the most influential leaders in American history.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
