The trade of advertising is now so near perfection that it is not easy to propose any improvement. But as every art ought to be exercised in due subordination to the public good, I cannot but propose it as a moral question to these masters of the public ear, whether they do not sometimes play too wantonly with our passions.

Summary

This quote suggests that advertising has become incredibly effective, to the point where it may seem difficult to make any further improvements. However, the author raises a moral concern, questioning whether advertisers manipulate people's emotions too casually. They suggest that advertisers should consider if they responsibly handle the power they have over the public's emotions and advocate for exercising this art form in a way that benefits society as a whole.

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