Love is the basis of society

It is very common to hear people cast both naive and cynical views about government. For those who seek a well-considered view of society, Augustine's City of God is extremely helpful. Lesslie Newbigin notes:

"Augustine was very realistic about the evils that tear all human communities apart - the family, the city, the nation. In The City of God he has no sentimental illusions about natural brotherhood among human beings. Yet he insists that love is the basis of society; even in their wars men are in fact speaking peace. But peace is only possible when there is order, and order depends on proper government; but government in which one is subordinated to another is only right if the one who is called to govern does so for the sake of those he governs -as their servant. The motive power of order is therefore love." (Foolishness to the Greeks p103)

All the natural goods of peace and order that result from good government hinge on the one who governs acting in love. Thus the character of the one who governs is of utmost importance to the order and peace of the state.

By extension the same is true of those who 'rule' in the economic sphere by employing others. The subordination of one to another is only right if the one who is called to so rule does so for the sake of those he leads - as their servant.