I'm having a little trouble understanding this quote . . .?

Question

“They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions,” said Atticus, “but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” (109)

From To Kill A Mockingbird.

What does this quote exactly mean? =/ I don't really understand the last sentence.

What does it mean by "abide by majority rule"?

Answer 1

It's been a very long time since I've read that book so I can't help you understand the greater context of it. Sorry.

The end of the quote simply means that people can't change their values/morals based on what the majority thinks. Your conscience doesn't abide (follow/listen to) majority rule - the way most people think.

In this context I think he's referring to race and doing the right thing - he's saying that he has to respect other peoples' opinions (based on their own values), but before he can do that he's got to understand his own values. He can't compromise his own values simply because more people think differently. He's doing the right thing even though others don't agree - but that doesn't mean he can stop doing the right thing. It's a quote about morality and individuality.

Hope that helps!

Good luck. :)

Answer 2

A persons own beliefs or conscience should not follow whatever the majority says is right...

Say, you should know for yourself whether to act a certain way, even if it is legal or illegal.

Just because abortion is legal, doesnt mean it is right for you. Thats why it is pro-choice, not mandatory.

And on the other side, what the state says is murder might be the right thing to do under certain conditions...

Answer 3

'abide by majority rule', roughly translated, means "do what people voted for". basically what atticus is saying is that he knows what is right, even though most of the people around him think he's wrong.

he took a lot of criticism for this, and it basically made him and his family outcast, but he truly believed it was the morally right decision.