When you are part of a community of people there are always different views on how to lead and the direction you should go. Sometimes leaders try to go with a majority view, and there can be wisdom in this. However, before you lead others in a direction, you have to make sure you are prepared to lead yourself in that direction. Because the one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.
Here is a short passage from “To Kill a Mockingbird” that says it so well. (Note: Scout is Atticus’ young daughter).
“Scout,” said Atticus, “when summer comes you’ll have to keep your head about far worse things . . . it’s not fair for you and Jem, I know that but sometimes we have to make the best of things, and the way we conduct ourselves when the chips are down—well, all I can say is, when you and Jem are grown, maybe you’ll look back on this with some compassion and some feeling that I didn’t let you down. This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience—Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man.” “Atticus, you must be wrong. . . .”
“How’s that?”
“Well, most folks seem to think they’re right and you’re wrong. . . .” “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.”
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