Over the years, I’ve found myself in the unique position of speaking, writing, and training on the importance of language and the weight of words. Words shape our perceptions, our values, and, ultimately, our actions. One word I’ve focused on frequently is “conscience,” a term that seems simple on the surface but holds profound meaning. With the upcoming election, I am compelled to examine whether we, as a society, have begun to lose this core concept—and the consequences of that loss.
Let’s start with the definition: “Conscience” derives from the Latin conscientia, which means "knowledge within oneself" or "moral awareness." Conscience isn’t swayed by emotion or trends; it’s the internal guide that helps us evaluate actions based on an intrinsic sense of right and wrong. It’s the voice that asks, “Is this choice aligned with my values, or am I letting the noise dictate my decisions?”
In 1976, Ronald Reagan stood at the Republican National Convention and implored his audience to "vote their conscience." His words were clear: “Is it a third party we need, or is it a new and revitalized second party, raising a banner of bold colors, no pale pastels, a banner instantly recognizable as standing for certain values?” He spoke not to sway emotions but to stir the deep-seated values within each listener, urging them to let their conscience—not fleeting influences—guide them.
To me, Reagan’s message rings true today. He called for Americans to make choices based on moral clarity, not to surrender to trends, rhetoric, or sensationalism. Today, however, I worry that this very concept of voting by conscience has been overshadowed by an avalanche of emotional appeals, endless news cycles, and pervasive social influences.
The relentless flood of media, social networks, and divisive rhetoric has made it all too easy to abandon conscience. Instead, many of us are swept into making decisions based on what’s popular, what’s emotional, or what aligns with the loudest voice. Yet, Reagan warned against this trend, advocating instead for a conscience-led choice marked by “bold colors,” not the neutrality of “pale pastels.”
When we allow external forces to dictate our actions, we risk becoming morally unmoored, losing the foundational guide that conscience provides. Our choices are no longer rooted in who we are but in what has influenced us at that moment.
As we approach the upcoming election, my hope is that each of us will return to our conscience and let it guide us. We cannot reclaim the integrity of our decisions without first silencing the noise and reconnecting with that inner voice that holds our values, our faith, and our principles.
Our nation was built on individuals who made hard decisions based on conscience, not convenience. If we can learn anything from Reagan’s words, it’s that conscience isn’t just a luxury; it’s a responsibility. Let’s not let the power of influence overtake our inner guide. In the spirit of “voting our conscience,” let us seek to make decisions that honor the truth within ourselves rather than the influence that surrounds us.
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