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The
Scale of Values
21. What are less than
human conditions? The material poverty of those who lack the bare necessities
of life, and the moral poverty of those who are crushed under the weight of
their own self-love; oppressive political structures resulting from the abuse
of ownership or the improper exercise of power, from the exploitation of the
worker or unjust transactions.
What are truly human conditions? The rise
from poverty to the acquisition of life's necessities; the elimination of
social ills; broadening the horizons of knowledge; acquiring refinement and
culture. From there one can go on to acquire a growing awareness of other
people's dignity, a taste for the spirit of poverty, 18 an active
interest in the common good, and a desire for peace. Then man can acknowledge
the highest values and God Himself, their author and end. Finally and above
all, there is faith—God's gift to men of good will—and our loving unity in
Christ, who calls all men to share God's life as sons of the living God, the
Father of all men.
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