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About this quote

What does it mean?
Conscience and cowardice both stem from fear of acting on one's convictions.
In plain terms
Fear and moral judgment are essentially the same.
What can you take from it?
Recognize when fear is masquerading as moral restraint.

Where it applies

  • making difficult decisions
  • standing up for beliefs

Putting it to work

  • challenge your motives
  • practice moral courage

Questions to consider

  • How do you differentiate true conscience from fear?
  • Can fear ever be constructive?

Another view

Sometimes conscience is a genuine guide, not just fear.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.

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  2. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.

    Permalink to quote #56
  3. All bad art is the result of good intentions.

    Permalink to quote #53

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