“Conscience is a man’s compass.”
- March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890
- Dutch
- Painter, Post-Impressionist Artist, Pioneer of Modern Art
table of contents
Quote
“Conscience is a man’s compass.”
Explanation
This concise quote equates conscience with moral direction, portraying it as the internal guide that helps a person navigate right from wrong. Just as a compass provides orientation through physical space, conscience offers orientation through ethical and emotional life. Van Gogh suggests that while external rules may change, a person’s inner sense of rightness—if followed—can lead them on a true and meaningful path.
In his own life, Van Gogh often followed his conscience rather than society’s expectations. He left religious training, lived in poverty, and painted against the norms of his time—not out of rebellion, but from a deep inner conviction about what was authentic, valuable, and human. His art and letters show a man constantly struggling to act according to what he believed was just and compassionate, despite the personal cost.
Today, this quote reminds us that personal integrity depends on listening to the quiet, persistent voice within, even when it conflicts with external pressures. Whether in personal decisions, creative work, or public life, conscience remains the essential guide, helping us stay aligned with our values in a world full of distractions and contradictions. Van Gogh’s metaphor encourages us to trust our inner compass—because it is what keeps us true.
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