The Moral Principle and the Material Interest

A Moral Principle met a Material Interest on a bridge that was wide enough for only one to pass.

"Down, you base thing!" thundered the Moral Principle. "Let me pass over you!"

The Material Interest merely looked into the other's eyes without saying a word.

"Ah," said the Moral Principle, hesitating, "let us draw lots to see which of us shall retire until the other has crossed."

The Material Interest maintained an unbroken silence and an unwavering stare.

"In order to avoid a conflict," the Moral Principle resumed, somewhat uneasily, "I shall lie down and let you walk over me."

At that moment, the Material Interest finally found its voice. "I don't think you are very good for walking," it said. "I am somewhat particular about what I have underfoot. What if you were to fall into the water?"

And so it happened.