This well written, eloquent essay asserts that there is an ethical, quintessential foundation to human existence. This moral absolute is grounded in our conscience, though humans have failed and continue to fail to heed its warnings. The author goes on to say that as a Christian, he could even more associate it with God in the form of Jesus of Nazareth. But this is not necessay, as humans of all beliefs and of none can recognize the call of our neighbors, the "demand upon our conscience", and to ignore it, the "fundamental guilt." This alone is our obligation.

In his second premise, the author states that the "present society is fraught with and founded upon unimaginable human misery and suffering." The writer goes on to say that "this is not by a sad twist of fate or not even the result of unfortunate circumstances - it is caused." It goes on to talk about the hundred dollars (note the $100) champagnes and the "distended, hungry bellies." But it is not his inequality that touches the heart of our guilt, but the injustice. Millions of workers work are forced to work for close to no remuneration to produce Hummers and mansions. It is their blood, their sweat, and their life that touches the heart of the human guilt. In the third and final premise of his worldview, the author states clearly that this can be changed. All the injustice in this world has been humanly constructed and can be humanly undermined. We can live ethically, either personally or collectively. We must live ethically - it is the demand upon our conscience.