The Bowl of Saki Commentary

If one were entirely wicked, one could not live. The poison we send out poisons ourselves also. Just as the radio attuned to a certain pitch sends out vibrations picked up by others while at that pitch, it also picks up its own vibrations. So it is with the heart of humanity. What touches another touches oneself. As long as there is life in another there is some virtue there.

The root of the word "virtue" means manhood, life-force valor, and strength. The idea of goodness attached to "virtue" comes from the activity of the human mind. Yet this was a splendid conception. Since virtue means possession of life-force, and life-force is identical with Divine Power, and Divine Power is goodness, virtue and goodness may therefore be identified. So if we can find some goodness in dark places, we can find it everywhere. God is not only in the heavens, God is in the hells also.