Do and act on what you believe to be right, and you'll wake up

The words of Janet Reno rise with the quiet strength of one who bore the burden of justice: “Do and act on what you believe to be right, and you’ll wake up the next morning feeling good about yourself.” These words are not merely a suggestion, but a law of the soul. They remind us that true peace does not come from applause, wealth, or even victory, but from the knowledge that one has acted in harmony with conscience. To sleep with doubt is torment; to rise with integrity is freedom.

The meaning of this quote is simple, yet it strikes to the heart of life’s struggle: we are constantly faced with choices, many of them difficult, many tempting us to betray what we know is right for what is easy, popular, or safe. Reno teaches that the true reward lies not in the world’s opinion but in the state of one’s own heart. To do what is right may bring opposition, but it grants a deeper treasure — the ability to look in the mirror each morning without shame.

The origin of Reno’s words lies in her long career as the first female Attorney General of the United States, a position where every decision bore weight and controversy. She knew well the storms of criticism, the loneliness of leadership, and the impossibility of pleasing all. Yet through it all, she held to the compass of conscience, believing that no matter the noise of the world, what mattered most was the still voice within. Her quote reveals the philosophy that guided her through political fire: act rightly, and even if the world condemns you, your spirit will find rest.

History has shown the power of this truth. Socrates, condemned by Athens for corrupting the youth, refused to flee into exile, choosing instead to drink the hemlock. He did so because he believed that living against his principles was worse than death itself. The world mocked him, but he died at peace, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom that endures. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln faced endless criticism during the Civil War, yet he acted on what he believed was right: preserving the Union and ending slavery. His nights may have been troubled by the weight of war, but his mornings carried the peace of a man who followed conscience.

There is also here a lesson in courage. To act on what is right is rarely easy. It requires the willingness to face scorn, to endure solitude, and sometimes to sacrifice one’s comfort or even safety. Yet Reno assures us that the cost is worth it, for nothing is more corrosive to the soul than cowardice, and nothing is more strengthening than integrity. To betray conscience is to rot from within; to uphold it is to grow unshakable, even when storms rage.

The lesson for us is timeless: live by principle, not by convenience. Each of us will face moments where the easy path tempts us away from the right one. In those moments, remember Reno’s wisdom: if you do what is right, tomorrow you will awaken with peace; if you do what is wrong, tomorrow you will awaken with regret. This is not only moral teaching, but practical truth, for a life of integrity builds trust, respect, and inner strength that no wealth or fame can buy.

So let us carry this wisdom with us: rise each day determined to act rightly, not for glory, not for applause, but for the sanctity of your own soul. In doing so, you will build a life of quiet triumph, a life where each morning brings not shame, but serenity. For as Reno teaches, the greatest reward of righteousness is not in what the world gives you, but in how you feel when you rise to meet the dawn. Act on what you believe to be right — and you will walk through life with peace as your companion.