The author discusses similarities and differences between Greco-Roman Stoicism and Hinduism. He argues that the reason for these similarities is that there may be universally valid moral truths which have been known to “men in all times and places and are not therefore exclusive to one particular society or culture”. However, Bishop is concerned mostly with making an objective comparison of the two perspectives, instead of attempting to come to a conclusion about their origins. After comparing various ideas concerning the nature of virtue, duty, honor, and greatness, Bishop makes this conclusion: “The Humanist and Hindu call us back to the original criterion of greatness which is a qualitative not quantitative one. Greatness is measured not by what has but by what one is. Being not having is the primary category”.

Bishop’s essay regards the question of why Christianity, Judaism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism differ when considering the question of forgiveness. He explains this phenomenon in the variance of initial presuppositions. While Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism are grounded in the concept of love and multiple forgiveness; Confucianism, Judaism, and Islam exemplify a foundation in justice. Bishop thoroughly elucidates his point by drawing from the sacred writings of all these religions.