Provide context to the following quote from To Kill a Mockingbird: "They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full...

In Chapter 11, Atticus tells Jem that he will have to read to Mrs. Dubose as punishment for ruining her camellia bushes. Scout disagrees with her father's decision to make Jem enter Mrs. Dubose's home because she fears that Jem will be murdered. Atticus calls Scout over and explains to her the importance of keeping her head up in the face of adversity. He then tells her that Tom's case is something that "goes to the essence of man's conscience" (Lee 66). Scout then says to Atticus that he must be wrong because everyone in town disagrees with his decision to defend Tom Robinson. He responds by saying,

"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" (Lee 66).

Atticus is attempting to teach Scout the importance of following one's conscience, even when it's unpopular to do so. Atticus' decision to defend Tom Robinson makes him a target throughout his community. Despite his neighbors' feelings, Atticus knows that it is morally right to defend Tom against Maycomb's ugly prejudice. He initially teaches Scout the importance of tolerance by commenting that the people with prejudiced views are entitled to their opinions and should be treated with respect regardless of their beliefs. He then explains to Scout that other people's opinions should not sway her personal beliefs. Atticus lives by his moral code when he defends Tom Robinson to the best of his ability in front of a prejudiced community. Scout witnesses her father put his beliefs and lessons into practice.