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.

In our European society the vital condition, and thus the general countersign, is self-respect coupled with respect for others (including women and children).