"Obviously the concept varies on a world by world basis, but I'm discussing the fundamental ethical nature of magic, and whether or not it conforms to man's moral majority, or we conform in some way to it."

He sets the book aside.

"I have been collecting instances of magical growth where it evolved naturally to form some sort of protection or purpose. There are apple groves that defend themselves from those who would harm the trees, and beasts that are given the gift of speech and reason in exchange for taking guardianship of a pool or source. There are things that only the good can touch, else they will be turned to stone, and that evovled this way without outside interference. In most of these cases it could be deemed strictly functional, but the 'worthy candidate' motif does not fit that pattern."