Conversion and Society 1886 Society is essential to the fulfillment of the human vocation. These benefits not only influence, but at the same time give aim and scope to all that has bearing on cultural expressions, economic, and social institutions, political movements and forms, laws, and all other structures by which society is outwardly established and constantly developed. It is necessary, then, to appeal to the spiritual and moral capacities of the human person and to the permanent need for his inner conversion , so as to obtain social changes that will really serve him. The acknowledged priority of the conversion of heart in no way eliminates but on the contrary imposes the obligation of bringing the appropriate remedies to institutions and living conditions when they are an inducement to sin, so that they conform to the norms of justice and advance the good rather than hinder it. This is the path of charity, that is, of the love of God and of neighbor.
Charity is the greatest social commandment.
It respects others and their rights. It requires the practice of justice, and it alone makes us capable of it. There is a certain resemblance between the unity of the divine persons and the fraternity that men ought to establish among themselves. The human person needs life in society in order to develop in accordance with his nature. Certain societies, such as the family and the state, correspond more directly to the nature of man.