[12] Observe, from this point of view, in the woman of modern times
the defenses of female virtue. The (male) sentiment of duty is the
first safeguard of modesty, but this has a much more powerful
auxiliary in the sentiment of honor, or deep innate pride.
[13] The moral standard varies, but according to a fixed law, the same
as a mathematical function. Each community has its own moral
elements, organization, history and surroundings, and necessarily its
peculiar conditions of vitality. When the queen been in a hive is
chosen and impregnated this condition involves the massacre of useless
male and female rivals (Darwin). In China, it consists of paternal
authority, literary education and ritual observances. In the antique
city, it consisted of the omnipotence of the State, gymnastic
education, and slavery. In each century, and in each country, these
vital conditions are expressed by more or less hereditary passwords
which set forth or interdict this or that class of actions. When the
individual feels the inward challenge he is conscious of obligation;
the moral conflict consists in the struggle within himself between the
universal password and personal desire.
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