I have just been reading a book about the conscience. It suggests that there are two sides to it.

One is our own inner voice, quietly telling us what is right and what is wrong.

The other is the voice of the society we live in. Its values, customs and expectations gradually become an inner voice as well, shaping our preferences and our behaviour.

Perhaps the greatest challenge is learning to tell them apart.

The book in question is: "Utan Samvete" by Cecilia Sjöholm, 2023.

The image is a sculpture by Jessica Fleetwood as shown on Dalsland Konstmuseum, 2026.