What is the purpose of ethics if the status quo is not changing?

I'm currently reading a book on moral philosophy to gain a deeper understanding of this subject. But I find it difficult to understand the purpose of ethics if the status quo is not changing. For example, as a student, I know that it's wrong to cheat, but if everyone else does and I don't, it's not going to force everyone else to stop cheating and start doing school work. And if anything, I might be put at a disadvantage if everyone else cheats and I don't.<br><br>I've also been reading the news and noticed that many wealthy celebrities and politicians have been using AI chatbots to write their speeches, articles, etc. Even though it's unfair and dishonest, it's not going to stop because these people are too powerful and have too much influence.<br><br>This issue is also relevant in politics. Politicians often don't do what is right out of ethics, they only do what is right if it serves their own interests and if their actions are legal without any consequences.<br><br>So what is the purpose of ethics if the status quo doesn't change and if everyone else is not doing what is right?<br><br>Edit: I am not a relativist or nihilist. I am not using this as an excuse to give up on doing what is right. I am just wondering why ethics exists if the status quo is not changing.<br><br>&#x200B;