It is common to hear people worn out by the stress of big cities sigh for the wish to retreat to a desert island or to the top of a distant mountain. Yet in examining the Law of Society in O Livro dos Espíritos (The Spirits' Book), Allan Kardec shows, with psychological and moral clarity, that life in community is not an accidental circumstance but a fundamental need of human nature.

According to Spiritist doctrine, no human being holds every faculty complete within themselves: it is in constant contact with others, in the exchange of knowledge and in the practice of mutual patience that the human soul truly grows, loves and finds fulfilment.

Absolute isolation and the pursuit of personal comfort

Kardec asks whether absolute isolation has any moral merit before the laws of God. The answer given by the spirits is enlightening: isolation motivated by the selfish wish to avoid the frictions of the world is not virtuous.

By withdrawing from society to spare themselves everyday troubles, a person buries their talents, stops helping those in need and flees the principal school for the improvement of the soul. The only understandable isolation is the temporary kind, devoted to prayer, study or the renewal of strength before returning to serve the community.

Social bonds and the flowering of affection

Life in society is the indispensable condition for the progress of civilisations. It is through the union of efforts that science discovers cures, education emancipates peoples and charity builds hospitals, nurseries and support institutions.

Moreover, it is in social life that the noblest feelings of the heart are born: true friendship, respect for differences, generosity and the ability to rejoice in another person's happiness. Living surrounded by friends is one of the greatest factors of longevity and emotional health known to contemporary science.

The magic of coexistence on Mundo a Passeio trips

At Mundo a Passeio, we see this law fulfilled in practice on every trip. Many people travel alone for the first time and, over the days on the road, find walking companions, confidants for good conversations and friendships that remain alive for many years. Affectionate coexistence in a group is the best remedy against loneliness.

Come and join this large family of travellers. Find our upcoming departures on the expeditions page or send a message via WhatsApp.

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