The men of strongest and most independent conscience are. . . just those who have most completely internalized this social voice.so that they hear and obey its commands even when no policeman compels their compliance. ironically, it is these same men who are most likely to set themselves against the government in the name of ideals and principles to which they feel a higher loyalty. when a society violates the very principles it claims to hold, these men of conscience experience a terrible conflict. they are deeply committed to the principles society has taught them, principles they have truly come to believe.