I make it my goal to read Harper Lee’s phenomenal novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, once every year. I’ve been fairly successful at doing so for quite some time now. It is, in my humble opinion, the most powerful narrative in the history of American literature.

The other day, as I was making my way through Chapter 11, I came across something that hit me squarely between the eyes. If you know anything of the story, young Scout, about 7 years old at this time, has been harassed mercilessly at school because her father, Atticus Finch (a local attorney), has agreed to be defense counsel for Tom Robinson. The latter, a black man, had been charged with raping a poverty-stricken white lady. Those who read the novel know that Tom is innocent. But they also know, as does Atticus Finch, that he could never receive a fair trial or be exonerated.

Once again, Scout has gotten in trouble at school for engaging in fist fights with those who persist in calling Atticus, “a N lover.” You may recall that some today are trying to ban Lee’s novel from schools or at least make changes in the language lest people be offended by her frequent use of the “N” word. Needless to say, the culture in the deep south during the 1930’s was known for its derogatory use of this word. Any attempt to alter the language in the book would seriously undermine its effectiveness in combating racism.

In any case, Atticus tries to explain to his young daughter why he is defending Robinson:

“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,” replied Scout, “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,” says 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” (p. 120).

The point of this brief article is to bring to everyone’s attention that concluding statement by Atticus Finch: “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” I think it best just to stop with that and give the reader the time to meditate on the profound significance of what Atticus said. He was a man of stalwart Christian character. It simply didn’t matter to him that virtually everyone else in town had cast their vote against Tom Robinson. Atticus’ conscience wouldn’t permit him to cave into their prejudice and misguided judgement. So, memorize that statement and let it guide you in the days ahead:

“The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”