"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions, 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."

               On page 139 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus replies to Scout after she says "Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong..." about the Tom Robinson case. He responds, explaining that everyone has the prerogative to form and state their own opinions. However, their thoughts shouldn't affect what you choose to do. Your own thoughts and conscience is what matters most, not what others say you should think or do. An example of this is how Atticus reacts to the town's disapproval of him taking up the Tom Robinson case. Despite the relentless gossip and people's efforts to sway him, Atticus isn't phased by the commotion and sticks to his morals. Even his own family, such as Aunt Alexandra and her grandson Francis, do not condone his choice. Aunt Alexandra calls Atticus a "nigger-lover" and that he lets Scout and Jem run wild. She believes he's ruining their family name, so much so that she'll never be able to walk down the streets. Francis taunts and jeers at Scout by calling her father names, including "nigger-lover." When Atticus learns of Francis' actions, he doesn't reprimand the boy. This shows that Atticus means what he says, and follows through with it. 

               I think this is an important skill to have. These days, especially with social media and the internet, it's a lot easier for people outside of family and friends to influence our lives. We need to be cautious in relation to what we surround ourselves with, whether it's people, things, or ideas. Over time, we start to reflect our environment. To maintain our individuality, we need to make sure that we listen to what our mind and soul is telling us first, before anyone else. In addition, we need to keep an open mind and remember that everyone has their own thoughts, which may differ to our own. No one is right or wrong. I think that Atticus found the right balance between respecting others' beliefs, while making sure that ultimately, our own speculation has the most significant value. It determines the choices we make and how we act- it shapes who we are as a human.