In this we differ from the animal. Animals quickly learn to live the life for which they were created. Instinctively, they know their food, their enemies, how to care for their offspring. We have to learn all of these things. We have to learn each step in life in order to become mature and successful.
Religious life is exactly the same.
Love of the neighbor is not instinctive. Living a good life does not come naturally. We have to learn it. Just as there are successful principles of business, of child care, of marriage, there are true principles of religious life. Without them, something is missing from our life.