English Language · Reading Comprehension

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows: Ethics and morality have always formed the backbone of civilized society. While laws dictate what citizens must do, ethics guides what they ought to do. The difference between the two is subtle yet profound; law operates on compulsion, while ethics thrives on conscience. A society's moral health, therefore, cannot be legislated—it must be cultivated. From the honesty of a trader to the fairness of a judge, ethical behavior forms the invisible thread that binds individuals into a harmonious collective. Without it, society may appear prosperous on the surface yet remain hollow at its core. In the modern world, where speed and success often overshadow sincerity, moral values seem to be losing ground. The race for power and profit tempts people to justify unethical shortcuts as 'necessary compromises.' Yet history reminds us that civilizations crumble not because of material scarcity but due to moral bankruptcy. When integrity becomes negotiable, trust collapses, and trust, once broken, is seldom restored. It is this quiet erosion of ethical consciousness that poses a greater threat than any external enemy. Ethics begins with individual choice. Every person, whether a leader or a layman, faces moments when principles collide with convenience. Choosing the right path often demands sacrifice, but it also enriches the soul. Mahatma Gandhi's adherence to truth, even at personal cost, exemplifies how moral conviction can transform not only a person but an entire nation. Ethics, therefore, is not a luxury of the virtuous but a necessity for survival. It ensures that the march of progress remains human and humane. To build an ethical society, both institutions and individuals must internalize moral reasoning. Schools should teach not only mathematics and science but also compassion and integrity. Leaders must inspire by example, for no sermon is stronger than conduct. The ultimate measure of progress lies not merely in technological achievements but in the moral compass that directs them. Without ethics, even the brightest light of knowledge may cast dangerous shadows. The tone of the passage is best described as: