the social conscience of our times.

Here is a term I have used many times that seems not to be understood. I an not suprised the NYT would recognize that a social conscience exists when they want it to. It is very important not to deny that a social consciense exists, like Materialists like to suggest. Denying our social conscience led to a civil war in America. It could lead to another one.

Denying our social conscience led to a civil war in America. It could lead to another one.

Astute observation.