Observation 18: The Guide to Business with Earthlings

Humans generally wish to be well-thought-of by their peers, but what is regarded as admirable or highly-principled behaviour varies from place to place and sometimes from one generation to another. There are, in other words, trends in Earthling morality just as there are trends in clothing , and at the moment such virtues as chastity, duty or thrift are unlikely to make it to the short-list of fashionable qualities, while being a self-starter, ambitious and passionate and are much more desirable traits for employees. In order to create or maintain a positive brand image, Earthling companies must be on virtue’s “cutting edge,” finding new and better ways to display the most fashionable ethical principles.  So companies are happy to re-cycle office paper or to encourage employees to use public transport, as this is seen as helping to save the environment. They may also, for example,  feel called upon to abolish the Easter bunny so as not to offend employees of non-Christian backgrounds or the members of the “Front for the Dignity of Rabbits.”