Summary

The author highlights the differences between the needs of individuals and those of legal entities  (institutions, enterprises etc) as far as ethics are concerned.

Individuals may find satisfaction in traditional, subjective ethical standards which are generally rooted in conscience. Legal entities, institutions, however, require objective and universal benchmarks to deliver the “common good” for which they were established. These entities having neither physical body nor its five senses lack a human conscience.

The search for universal references relies on the laws of nature. For 13.8 billion years, the forces of nature—gravity, electromagnetism, and the weak and strong interactions—have obeyed principles of symmetry. The matter surrounding us and the spirit animating us form a single nature governed by these same forces, and we are all subject to the same principles of symmetry.

The search for universal values rests on the laws of nature. The natural forces (gravity, electromagnetism, weak and strong interactions) have submitted to symmetries for more than 13.8 billion years. The matter around us and the spirit that moves us form a unique nature governed by the same forces. All are subjected to the same kind of symmetry principles.

The author examines distinct types of symmetry and suggests analogies with certain moral values.

Reflecting on life and its meaning, he observes that there is none in pure symmetry; rather, it emerges from slight symmetry breakings, and both “life” and “good” flourish around these subtly broken symmetries. Conversely, when symmetry is lost and dissymmetry intensifies, life loses its meaning and ‘evil’ spews its venom into the asymmetry of relationships and power dynamics.”

Choosing the right system of reference (life, what IS) and working towards slightly broken symmetries is to find peace and harmony”.

Trélex, October 7, 2026