The trouble with having a conscience, she said to herself, is that it never sleeps.
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The quote reflects the persistent nature of conscience, which constantly hounds individuals with moral considerations and dilemmas. The protagonist contemplates how having a conscience means facing an unending internal dialogue that challenges decisions and actions. This relentless scrutiny can lead to feelings of unrest and guilt, tying personal ethics closely to mental well-being.
In Alexander McCall Smith's "A Distant View of Everything," this theme illustrates the complexities of human emotions and the burden that comes with self-awareness. The characters grapple with their moral choices, suggesting that the presence of a conscience may sometimes feel more like a burden than a blessing, as it compels constant reflection on right and wrong.
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Taffy. He thinks about taffy. He thinks it would take his teeth out now, but he would eat it anyhow, if it meant eating it with her.
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