input: [Confucius] Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Fair enough. But why should anyone follow? It is perhaps possible to work out a logically sound and complete system of ethics separate from religion, but nobody has ever done it. Or at least, not in a way that the common man has heard of. So all the ethical advice carries little force. Religion, on the other hand, is very successful at providing reasons for ethics.
output: Antininus also praises ethics, and he encourages good deeds.