Their theory of life being utterly utilitarian, no form is observed that serves no distinct practical purpose.

We wish to make life graceful and elegant, as well as easy.

Principles originally inculcated upon us by the necessity of self-protection have been enforced and graven on our very nature, by the reaction of our experience against the rough and harsh relations, the jarring and often unfriendly intercourse, of external society.

Aliens to our Order--that is, ninety-nine hundredths of our race--take delight in the infliction of petty personal annoyance, at least never take care not to 'jar each other's elbow-nerves,' or set on edge the teeth that never bit them.

_We_ are careful not to wound the feelings or even the weaknesses of a brother.
Punctilious courtesy, frank apology for unintentional wrong, is with us a point of honour.