Compass

A compass for navigation, like any good inventor knows, is made with a piece of magnetized and a simple metal pin, but the makings of a moral compass are not as clear. Some believe that all are born with a moral compass, like an appendix or the fear of worms. According to others, the moral compass develops over time, as you discover the decisions of others, observing the world and reading books. In any case, a moral compass seems to be a delicate thing, and as people grow and venture into the world, often it becomes increasingly difficult to understand in which direction lies the needle tip, and increasingly difficult to decide which is the best thing to do. 

Lemony Snicket, 'The End'  'A Series of Unfortunate Events'