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In The Order, the author explores the profound necessity of order as the primary need of the soul, surpassing even material requirements. Order, conceived as a harmonious alignment of social obligations, enables individuals to fulfill moral duties without coercion or conflict. When obligations become irreconcilable, the soul endures a spiritual violence that cannot be alleviated, as it wounds one’s intrinsic love for the good.
The modern world, the text contends, suffers from heightened disorder, where the incompatibility of obligations proliferates. Those who diminish this discord are builders of order, while those who amplify it are agents of chaos. Yet, achieving a perfect alignment of duties remains an elusive ideal, perhaps even a fiction, due to the complexity of real-world interactions. Despite this, the author draws inspiration from the natural universe, where countless independent forces converge to create a stable and beautiful order. This harmony, mirrored in true works of art, reflects a wisdom humanity aspires to emulate in its pursuit of moral and societal balance.
The essay underscores that the essence of human existence lies in the unwavering desire for the good, a force that impels us to reject incompatible obligations. Art and the beauty of the world serve as reminders of the order we yearn for, sustaining our efforts to envision and strive for a just human order. This vision requires sacrifice, perseverance, and a constant commitment to navigating life’s uncertainties while holding firm to the direction of moral integrity.
The text concludes by distinguishing between true needs and mere desires. Needs, whether physical or spiritual, are finite and interdependent, requiring balance for fulfillment. Just as the body craves nourishment and rest in measured intervals, the soul requires equilibrium between opposing forces. True balance satisfies these dualities fully, avoiding the superficiality of compromise, and pointing to the profound harmony that lies at the heart of human flourishing.