Lighthouse And Conscience

I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve.” ― George Bernard Shaw

I had not seen a lighthouse in India. In California, I saw my first, the one above.

That lighthouse sat atop a bluff overlooking San Diego Bay for 36 years! However, fog often obstructed its lights, so it was retired and is now a museum and tourist attraction.

The new lighthouse is much lower, near the shoreline.

Since then, I have seen other lighthouses.

Anyway, a lighthouse is a great metaphor for life. Let’s see some profound quotes on it.

“If you want to help a lighthouse, just don’t block its light, that’s the greatest help!” ― Mehmet Murat Ildan

“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” — Anne Lamott

“By spreading knowledge you can live forever. You can be the lighthouse that guides people to safety; a light in the darkest of times.” ― Zachariah Renfro

I believe, undeterred by the storms brewing around us, we must stand steadfast, spreading the light of awareness. To justify our role as a lighthouse, we have to keep shining.

A lighthouse without light is nothing! The light is our own conscience. If we ourselves are dark and misguided, how will we guide others? So, we must spruce up our own conscience.

Rational and good judgment will come only if we keep our body healthy. Don’t forget, our brain, where conscience resides, is prone to acid damage. If we inflame the body by exposing ourselves to irritants, it become acidic, and the brain acquires damage. It cannot keep the conscience flawless!!

So, keep yourselves healthy, maintain a robust conscience, and be a lighthouse. The world needs more lighthouses so that the confused ships can receive guidance.

Pledge to be a lighthouse. It will be your legacy.

“You are the lighthouse that guides others through their darkest storms. Keep shining, and never forget to light your own path to greatness, for you are someone’s beacon of hope.” ― Emmanuel Apetsi

Now, let me share about conscience. We are not talking as much about conscience as we should, so I am writing about it.

Our brain is the seat of conscience. We are born with a tabula rasa, a clean slate. As we go through life, from experience, observation, and reading, we learn about the ways of the world.

We need to constantly make decisions to survive in this world. It’s like throwing the dice in a game of Snakes and Ladders. Only, it’s not random, but depends on our choices. A bad choice and we get swallowed by the snake; a good choice and we climb the ladder of well-being.

Both bad and good choices come wrapped in tricky packaging. If we don’t have a good conscience, the intrinsic smart detection system, we may end up choosing the bad choice in glossy coverings.

So, a strong conscience is our best asset. I totally believe in it.

“Conscience is a man’s compass.” — Vincent Van Gogh

I see a lot of the newer generation folks who don’t even know about it, let alone follow it.

Money and status hold much sway these days, yet conscience is the ultimate trait to hone. Without it, sitting atop immense wealth, you will feel guilty and small. We know how guilt feels! Even sleeping on a cozy bed, we feel the prick of thorns.

“There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.” — French Proverb

So, sharpen your conscience. You will not regret it.

You will not cry fool over toxic relations, multiple sclerosis, scamming, and so many self-made problems!! Did I ruffle some feathers? But, it’s the truth. Some temptations led you to those things. You can’t deny that.

So, work on your conscience.

“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” — Benjamin Franklin

Finally, the quote on conscience that brought goosebumps in me. It’s by none other than our favorite scientist, Albert Einstein:

“Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it.” — Albert Einstein.

Wasn’t he right? If people had listened to their conscience, the Holocaust would not have happened. The ongoing wars would not happen too.

So, make sure to polish your conscience.

Let it be a lighthouse, illuminating the world.