The Gospel saying, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13), suggests that whoever we are, we are likely to be used only in small quantities and we will not fundamentally change very much of the world since salt does not alter the food it savours. Salt is a preservative. Rubbing salt in the wound may be painful, but may save the wounded from the worst. So we keep on protesting, reinforcing the moral framework, and helping to keep our own and the world’s uneasy conscience alive. In addition salt has a positive function. It improves the flavour and quality of the dish. So we contribute to what reforms we can, short of the complete redemption of the existing order, assiduously improving here and there the quality of the world’s life and the fortunes of the world&r