In Herman Melville's "Billy Budd, Sailor," the nature of conscience is explored through the comparison of individual differences. Just as no two foreheads are the same, each person's conscience is unique. This idea emphasizes the subjective nature of moral judgment and personal integrity. Melville also suggests that while all intelligent beings possess a conscience, there are exceptions, notably among malevolent entities, like the Scriptural devils. These beings may have a superficial understanding of morality but lack genuine moral conviction, as they only "believe and tremble." This highlights the complex relationship between awareness and true moral responsibility.

In Herman Melville's "Billy Budd, Sailor," the nature of conscience is explored through the comparison of individual differences. Just as no two foreheads are the same, each person's conscience is unique. This idea emphasizes the subjective nature of moral judgment and personal integrity.

Melville also suggests that while all intelligent beings possess a conscience, there are exceptions, notably among malevolent entities, like the Scriptural devils. These beings may have a superficial understanding of morality but lack genuine moral conviction, as they only "believe and tremble." This highlights the complex relationship between awareness and true moral responsibility.