Conscience is but a word that cowards use,Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe:Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.March on, join bravely, let us to't pell-mell;If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.
The quote from Shakespeare's "Richard III" suggests that conscience is a construct used by the weak to subdue the powerful. The speaker implies that true strength lies in physical might, and that moral considerations are irrelevant when it comes to power and ambition. This portrayal of conscience as a tool of fear emphasizes a brutal perspective on leadership and morality.
In urging his followers to march boldly, the speaker dismisses concerns of morality, encouraging a relentless pursuit of their goals, even if it leads to damnation. This perspective highlights a cynical view of human nature, where strength and aggression are prioritized over conscience and ethics, revealing a stark dichotomy between moral and physical determinations of justice and power.
