Elicit the Best: A Moral Commandment

Ethical Culture emphasizes the importance of social relationships. Like the Xhosa of South Africa, we hold that “I am because we are” and, as one member recently added, “We are because I am,” recognizing ethical mutuality. Felix Adler’s purpose in founding Ethical Culture societies was to provide opportunities for people to move toward goodness: not with a formal creed, but with a common desire to find better ways of living together. His supreme ethical rule was this: “So act as to elicit the best in other, and thereby in thyself.” What does that mean? How are we to understand its practical fulfillment? Leader Anne Klaeysen will engage participants in an exploration of these questions.

Entry to our 100-year-old building and meeting rooms is available for most wheelchair users with prior arrangements. Please call ahead  (212-874-5210 x107) for setup of our portable system and plan to arrive one hour before start time.