The Greatest Books of All Time on Conscience

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 402 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Conscience

The "Conscience" category for books encompasses works that delve into the moral and ethical dimensions of human experience, exploring the inner workings of the human mind as it grapples with questions of right and wrong. These books often feature characters facing profound moral dilemmas, societal injustices, or personal crises that challenge their beliefs and values. Through narrative, philosophical discourse, or reflective memoirs, the "Conscience" genre seeks to illuminate the complexities of ethical decision-making, the consequences of actions, and the pursuit of integrity and justice. Readers are invited to engage deeply with the text, reflecting on their own moral compass and the broader implications of conscience in shaping human behavior and societal norms.

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  1. 1. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

    A young, impoverished former student in Saint Petersburg, Russia, formulates a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker to redistribute her wealth among the needy. However, after carrying out the act, he is consumed by guilt and paranoia, leading to a psychological battle within himself. As he grapples with his actions, he also navigates complex relationships with a variety of characters, including a virtuous prostitute, his sister, and a relentless detective. The narrative explores themes of morality, redemption, and the psychological impacts of crime.

    The 13th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. On the Genealogy of Morality by Friedrich Nietzsche

    A Polemic

    This philosophical work is a critical exploration of the origins and development of moral values. The author challenges conventional notions of good and evil, arguing that they evolved not from any inherent sense of justice, but rather as a means of exerting control over society. He presents a historical analysis of how morality has been used as a tool by the powerful to dominate the weak, and critiques the influence of religion and societal norms on our understanding of morality. The book is a profound examination of the nature of morality, its origins, and its impact on human behavior.

    The 1459th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Murder In The Cathedral by T. S. Eliot

    The play dramatizes the internal conflict of a 12th-century archbishop, Thomas Becket, as he grapples with the temptation of spiritual pride and the implications of defying King Henry II. Upon his return from exile, Becket faces pressure from the king and his own tempters to compromise his principles for safety and convenience. Ultimately, Becket chooses to embrace his role as a martyr, fulfilling his duty to God over the monarchy. His assassination in Canterbury Cathedral by the king's knights is depicted as an act of martyrdom, exploring themes of faith, loyalty, and the struggle between church and state.

    The 2183rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Killers of the Dream by Lillian Smith

    "Killers of the Dream" is a non-fiction book that examines the roots of racism in the American South, particularly in the author's home state of Georgia. The author argues that segregation is not only harmful to black people, but also to whites, as it distorts their view of reality and their own humanity. The book explores the psychological, social, and cultural effects of racism, and calls for an end to racial discrimination and segregation.

    The 3005th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho

    A stranger arrives in the small town of Viscos, carrying with him a choice that could bless or curse the entire community. The town's inhabitants are forced to confront their deepest fears and question their moral compasses as they wrestle with the stranger's proposition: he will give them a fortune in gold if they kill one of their own. The stranger's presence stirs up chaos and brings to light the darkness within the human soul, challenging the townsfolk to make a decision that will determine their future.

    The 5333rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Ethics by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

    Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Volume 6

    "Ethics" is a profound exploration of the moral challenges faced by individuals in a complex world. The book delves into the nature of ethical behavior, arguing that true morality arises not from following a set of rules, but from a direct relationship with God. The author discusses the concept of "responsible action," where decisions are made in response to God's call, and the importance of understanding the reality of evil and sin. Throughout, the text grapples with the tension between the ideal of absolute goodness and the practical realities that necessitate compromise and sacrifice, offering a compelling framework for ethical decision-making rooted in faith and community.

    The 5509th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Complete Plays of T. S. Eliot by T. S. Eliot

    This collection brings together all of the renowned playwright's works, showcasing his talent for dramatic verse. It includes both his well-known pieces and lesser-known plays, exploring themes of human frailty, faith, and the complexities of the human condition. The book provides a comprehensive look into the playwright's unique contribution to 20th-century drama.

    The 6761st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Warrior's Honor by Michael Ignatieff

    Ethnic War and the Modern Conscience

    The book explores the moral and ethical challenges faced by modern societies when confronted with ethnic conflicts and wars. It delves into the complexities of humanitarian intervention, the role of the media in shaping public perception, and the struggle to reconcile the principles of human rights with the brutal realities of ethnic violence. Through a series of case studies and philosophical reflections, the author examines the tension between the universal claims of morality and the particular loyalties of kinship and nationality, questioning the capacity of moral conscience to mediate in conflicts where deep-seated cultural and ethnic animosities are at play.

    The 8109th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. A Man For All Seasons by Robert Bolt

    A Play in Two Acts

    "A Man For All Seasons" is a compelling play that dramatizes the conflict between King Henry VIII and Sir Thomas More. It portrays More's moral and legal struggle against the King's desire to divorce his wife and marry another in order to produce a male heir. As the story unfolds, More's steadfast ethical integrity leads to his downfall, as he chooses to remain true to his principles despite the personal risks. His refusal to endorse the King's wish ultimately costs him his position, his freedom, and even his life. The play explores themes of morality, power, and the consequences of standing by one's beliefs in the face of governmental pressure.

    The 8255th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Judge On Trial by Ivan Klima

    "Judge on Trial" is a novel that delves into the life of Adam Kindl, a judge in Communist Czechoslovakia who is struggling with the moral dilemmas of his profession and personal life. As he presides over a politically charged case, Kindl grapples with the oppressive regime's influence on justice and his own sense of integrity. The narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the quest for truth, while also examining the complexities of love, fidelity, and the human condition. Through Kindl's introspective journey, the novel provides a poignant critique of the judicial and political systems of the time.

    The 8838th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Short Novels by Fyodor Dostoevsky

    A Collection of Masterpieces

    This collection of works by the renowned Russian author delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of morality, free will, and the existential struggles of individuals in society. The narratives often focus on characters who are grappling with profound internal conflicts, societal pressures, and ethical dilemmas. Through a series of intense, philosophical dialogues and dramatic plot developments, the author examines the nature of good and evil, the possibility of redemption, and the enduring question of what it means to be human. Each novella in the collection serves as a powerful exploration of the complexities of the soul and the human condition.

    The 11523rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Tales And Sketches by Nathaniel Hawthorne

    "Tales and Sketches" is a collection of short stories and character studies that delve into the complexities of human nature, morality, and the American experience. The author weaves together elements of history, allegory, and symbolism to explore themes such as guilt, sin, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of New England's Puritan past, the stories often feature protagonists grappling with their consciences and the rigid societal norms of the time. The author's rich prose and psychological insight offer a window into the struggles of the human spirit, making the collection a timeless exploration of the darker corners of the soul.

    The 11523rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Analogy Of Religion by Joseph Butler

    Natural and Revealed, to the Constitution and Course of Nature

    "The Analogy of Religion" is a philosophical work that explores the evidence of God in the design and governance of the world, arguing for a rational basis for faith. The book discusses the similarities between the natural world and human behavior, suggesting that as we understand one, we can infer about the other. It addresses the role of religion in human life, the existence of evil, and the future state of the soul, advocating for the reasonableness of Christianity by comparing revealed religion to the natural world. The author uses analogy to defend the credibility of religious doctrines against the skepticism of the era, emphasizing morality and the human conscience as intrinsic parts of religious practice.

    The 12283rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Tell Tale Heart And Other Writings by Edgar Allan Poe

    This collection of writings by a master of macabre literature delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, exploring themes of guilt, madness, and the supernatural. It features a chilling tale of a murderer haunted by the incessant beating of his victim's heart, as well as a selection of poems and short stories that showcase the author's penchant for mystery and the gothic. The narratives are woven with a rich, poetic language that enhances their eerie atmosphere, making this compilation a quintessential representation of the author's haunting literary style and his influence on the horror genre.

    The 12454th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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