ABSTRACT
In special circumstances of wealth and power, moral considerations seem utterly futile, an odd but convenient disposition certain people have to be milked and fleeced. The idea of moral progress is not necessary to faith in an ethical order. On the contrary it may rob it of some of its strength. The surest guide in moral matters is the feeling that certain actions are good and others bad, whatever the time and circumstances. By ideal perfection we understand that oak tree that each acorn would realize if placed in those circumstances which are on the whole most favorable. So the ideal ethical perfection of one individual or society is not the same as for other individuals and societies and varies with each change of relevant circumstances and with each ethical or unethical action performed. The universal ethical ideal has long been known under the name of Natural Law.
