When everyone is following the same path and there is that one individual who decides to turn in the opposite direction and lead a different way, that person is a non-conformists. Disobeying the authority and staying true to one's self is a main goal of non-conformists. Remaining ethical and staying true to one's moral values despite the authority. As these readings show, one common personality trait shared by non-conformists is a heightened sense of morality. .
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, a very popular non-conformist showed a heightened sense of morality threw the civil rights and segregation era. King was determined to end racial segregation and obtain equality for all. Despite the law and authority during civil rights movement, King remained true to his moral values. In "A Letter from Birmingham Jail" King writes, "I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permitsuch an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First-Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest." King organized a protest despite the law which required a permit because morally it was the right thing to do. .
In Stanley Milgrams, "The Perils of Obedience", Gretchen Brandt showed a heightened sense of morality during the experiment. Statements from the article prove Brandt decided to do what was morally correct rather than continuing to follow the orders of the experimenter. During their conversation, the experimenter urges Brandt to continue administering high voltage shocks to the "learner" despite a known heart condition. Brandt expresses her concern for the learner's wellbeing after being told to continue. In the article Brandt states, "I'd like to ask him. We came here of our free will. If he wants to continue I'll go aheadI wouldn't like it for me either." With Brandt's heightened sense of moral value, she refused to move forward with the experiment.