The Ethical movement, also known as the Ethical Culture movement or simply Ethical Culture, is an ethical, educational, and religious movement that is usually traced back to Felix Adler. Ethical Culture is based on the idea that in order to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, and to create a world that is good for all, one must honor and live in accordance with ethical principles. Practitioners of Ethical Culture try to do good in the world, and to support each other in becoming better people.

Walter Drey was the chairman of the Senior Members Group, Society for Ethical Culture, New York City. John Lovejoy Elliott, who was heavily influenced by the Ethical Culture movement, founded a number of recreational and social clubs and programs in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. The various groups coalesced into the Hudson Guild, a community-based social services organization which continues today. He attended Cornell University from 1900 to 1901.