degrees of potency

Potent: a conscious yet spontaneous response to what is happening in the here-and-now; no calculation or manipulation

Less Potent: trying to do what is right. This is calculated behavior based on a concept of right, and manipulative behavior based on an idea of what should happen

Least Potent: imposed morality. Imposed morality rests entirely on should and shouldn't. It is both calculated and manipulative, and meets resistance with punishment. It sheds no light on what is actually happening. It often backfires

Persons who lose touch with what is happening cannot act spontaneously, so they try to do what they think is right. If that fails, they often try coercion

Wise persons who lose the sense of immediacy become quiet and let all effort go until a sense of clarity and consciousness return