To Görres the feudal system was the basic principle of his
reform. On the one hand he thus wanted to allay the resis-
tance in the years of Restoration and on the other hand he
envisioned a good starting point in the traditional social
system.
The system is appropriate to be democratized as long as
the achievement principle is important for a position and
not inheritance.
The “idea of everyone’s equality before God was carried
into the world” by Christianity – but this does not mean
that all of their characteristics and talents were neglec-
ted. They are God’s will.
The different groups of the society must not give in to a
state of dissolution. Their features have to be employed
beneficially for the common good instead.
Thus Görres agreed to keep the nobility as a social group
as long as its attributes were redefined.
He thought of them as members of the intellectual elite
and did not want birth to be decisive when it comes to so-
cial affiliation.
“Those who are in need for more recognition have to accom-
plish more.”
The social groups were entirely reinterpreted into classes
according to profession. This was tantamount to a gradual
further development.
This modification was to avoid the destruction of a func-
tional system in such way as to avoid wasting substance
in the process of democratization.
In the end a classification is inevitable. They are ra-
tional and legitimate associations of people with the same
disposition and goals.