The GREAT WAY

When the Great Way prevailed, every person was a part of public society,
and public society belonged to everyone. The virtuous and the able were
chosen for public office.

Fidelity and friendliness were valued by all.

People not only loved their own parents and children, but loved the parents
and children of others as well. The elderly lived their last years in
happiness, able bodied adults were usefully employed, children were
raised properly. Widowers, widows, orphans, the childless aged, the
crippled and the ailing were well cared for.

All men shared their social responsibilities, and all women performed their
domestic duties in married life.

Natural resources were fully used for the benefit of all, and not
appropriated for selfish ends.

People wanted to contribute their strength and ability to society for public
good -- but not for private gain. Trickery and intrigue could not occur
in such a society. Robbery, larceny, and other crimes all disappeared.
Gates and doors were not locked; no one ever thought at stealing.

This was the Age at the Great Commonwealth of peace and prosperity.