Summary
This quote suggests that while freedom of conscience promotes individual autonomy and personal belief, it also comes with greater risks and potential harm compared to living under authority or a despotic system. It implies that when people have the freedom to think and act according to their own conscience, it opens the door to divergent ideologies, conflicts, and the potential destabilization of society. In contrast, under an authoritative or despotic regime, conformity might exist, thus reducing the likelihood of conflict but at the expense of personal freedoms.