The Great Chain of Being

The Great Chain of Being is an ancient hierarchical concept that views all of existence as a structured, fixed order. It places everything—divine entities, angels, humans, animals, plants, and inanimate objects—on a scale from the highest to the lowest. Each level reflects a different degree of perfection and importance, with humans occupying a central position. This hierarchy was used to explain the natural world, moral order, and human significance, emphasizing that everything has its place and should be respected within this fixed structure.