Eutopian
morals show how mistaken are modern critics who keep complaining that science
has made great progress in improving material life but has lagged in doing the
same for the ethical. There was no
progress to make. Men have known the
principles of justice, decency, tolerance, magnanimity from an early date. Acting on them is another matter – nor does
it seem easier for us to act on our best scientific conclusions when we deal
with bodily matters: an age that has made war on smoking and given up the use
of the common towel and the common cup should prohibit shaking hands.
(from From Dawn to
Decadence by Jacques Barzun)
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