<p>So I just wrote my first essay in the “12 in 10” style. Could somebody let me know how I did? I’m going for the abbreviated “12 in 1” version 
. It may be of note that prior to this, I was a 4/8 essay-writer. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Conscience is the most powerful motivator to achieve goals. Several examples from history and literary works clearly prove that conscience is the best motivator.</p>
<pre><code>As demonstrated by Ray Bradbury in his book, Fahrenheit 451, Guy Montag’s conscience guides him to his goals, not bribes for power. In Fahrenheit 451, the society has completely turned away from any form of reading, be it literature or newspapers. Guy Montag is a firefighter whose main job is to burn down people’s houses who read books. Remembering his encounter with his free-spirit neighbor, Montag finds a copy of the Bible and sneaks it home. Much to the dismay, of his wife and her friends, Guy begins reading it and standing up for what he believes in. Montag continues to read and joins a group of scholars, escaping the censured community that was his town. Hence, Montag’s actions show that conscience is the true motivator in one’s life.
Through their actions of the Civil War, soldiers showed true heart and belief in their conscience. The northern states and southern states were at crossroads concerning the issue of slavery. Several Southern states, led by South Carolina, seceded from the Union in 1860. The North knew that the country could not possibly prosper without the South’s rich farmland. Soldiers left their family and friends to fight one of the deadliest wars in American history, and these soldiers were not being paid a large sum for their 12 months of duty. At the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1st-July 3rd, 1863, over 27,000 Union soldiers died, solely out of pride for their country. Thus, Union soldiers, motivated more by conscience than any other motivator, put their lives on the line to preserve their country.
As demonstrated by Socrates in his speech, “Apology”, standing up for what’s right and putting your conscience first is the greatest motivator. In his speech, Socrates is about to be punished by the Judges. The Judges were a group of lying men who pompously would kill anybody, just to keep their power. Socrates, facing execution for “asking questions”, does the right thing. Receiving the option to give in and have his life spared, Socrates stands up for philosophical thinking, to the delight of his followers. Socrates motivates and gives courage to his followers, but also develops new followers with his speech. At this point, the Judges realize they cannot possibly contain hundreds of philosophical thinkers – their power-reign is about to end. Therefore, Socrates, following his conscience, knows the right thing to do and does it.
After a careful analysis of Fahrenheit 451, Union Soldiers, and Socrates, conscience is indeed the most powerful motivator. Had Montag, Union Soldiers, and Socrates not put conscience first, they clearly would have taken themselves down the wrong, unfortunate path of greed, rather than humility.
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