Breakdown:

1. Distinction Between Ethics and Morals:
   • The passage begins by distinguishing between ethics and morals. Ethics are described as external, societal norms imposed by institutions (such as professional ethical standards for attorneys), whereas morals are internal principles that individuals create for themselves. This sets the foundation for understanding how these two concepts guide behavior.
2. The CIA and Ethical Flexibility:
   • The CIA, and similar organizations, seek individuals who can navigate and flex between ethical and moral boundaries. In high-stakes missions, ethical or moral absolutes may need to be compromised for the sake of the mission. The ability to selectively adjust one’s ethical and moral compass is viewed as a crucial skill in such environments.
3. The Challenge of Absolute Morality:
   • The speaker critiques the idea of holding ethics and morals as absolutes, such as the stance “I will never hurt another person.” They argue that, in practice, there are scenarios where causing harm may be necessary. This creates discomfort for individuals who are used to operating with rigid moral principles.
4. The Cushion Between Reality and Subjective Morality:
   • People often seek a “cushion” between their subjective moral beliefs and the practical realities they face. This cushion represents the space where people reconcile the uncomfortable truth that their absolute moral principles might not always hold up in real-world situations. Navigating this space requires a degree of flexibility and adaptability.
5. Selective Use of Ethics and Morals:
   • The key point is that ethics and morals are not always fixed; they are tools that can be selectively used or adjusted depending on the situation. This challenges the notion of moral absolutism, suggesting that real-world scenarios often demand a more nuanced and adaptable approach to ethical decision-making.
6. The Uncomfortable Truth of Moral Flexibility:
   • The passage concludes by emphasizing the discomfort that comes with moral flexibility. The ability to acknowledge that one’s ethics and morals may not be absolute—and may need to change based on circumstances—can be unsettling but is often necessary in complex or high-pressure situations.

This breakdown explores the relationship between ethics and morals, the flexibility required in certain professions, and the challenge of navigating moral absolutes.