consists of the conception of what is universally valid, and its contents are of course nothing else than its universal validity. Hence the formula will read as follows: “Act only in accordance with that precept which you can also wish should be a general law for all rational beings.” This, then, is the real foundation — for the most part so greatly misunderstood — which Kant constructed for his principle of Morals, and therefore for his whole ethical system.

Compare also the Kritik der Praktischen Vernunft, p. 61 (R., p. 147); the end of Note 1.

I pay Kant a tribute of sincere admiration for the great acumen he displayed in carrying out this dexterous feat, but I continue in all seriousness my examination of his position according to the standard of truth. I will only observe —