I have sometimes been haunted with the idea that it was an imperative duty, knowing what I know, and having seen what I have seen, to do all that lies in my power to show the dangers and the evils of this frightful institution.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law.
It is a great matter to be in authority over others; for authority, if it be rightly used, will make you feared beyond your actual resources.
I really believed that the priests were acquainted with my thoughts; and often stood in great awe of them. They often told me they had power to strike me dead at any moment.
I have done what I felt to be my duty.
Following our inner guidance may feel risky and frightening at first, because we are no longer playing it safe, doing what we 'should' do, pleasing others, following rules, or deferring to outside authority.
I look upon it as a Point of Morality, to be obliged by those who endeavour to oblige me.
There is nothing in the universe that I fear, but that I shall not know all my duty, or shall fail to do it.
I never thought that I would treasure doing my job, and I have reached that point. I've gotten to a point where it's like the priesthood: this is what I was called to do.
I believe it is my duty as a performer to raise issues in the world of things we're afraid to look at.
I must be informed, that one of my great duties was, to obey the priests in all things; and this I soon learnt, to my utter astonishment and horror, was to live in the practice of criminal intercourse with them.