What are the ultimate springs
of human action and compunction?
Ego: Therefore let them seek opportunities to elucidate
And enrich their moral capacity to choose. -
But how will autonomy with consumerism mediate?
Eyes: Too thirsty presently will be soil at the seaside
To grow the values that give knowledge to freedom
And scope to choice... ‘Behold, the great noontide!’ ¹
¹ The seaside stands for the hedonism of the age. It is also where Nietzsche’s warning of the approaching noontide of moral relativism in Thus Spake Zarathustra
finds a maritime echo.