Final answer:
The rule of law is challenging to maintain due to human behaviors, emotions, corruption, and individualism, despite its critical role in societal harmony and economic stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rule of law is difficult to maintain not just because of the limitations of law itself but also due to human behavior and emotions. The law of nature, unlike human law, is enforced perfectly and universally without the need for human administration. Human laws, on the other hand, are fragile as they rely on the collective will and discipline of society to uphold them. Corruption, individual desires, and differing interpretations of what is “morally right” can erode the rule of law and disrupt societal harmony. Institutions like markets and economies also depend on the rule of law for property security and contractual enforcement, which is vital for investment and exchange.
Historically, though laws like Hammurabi's Code and the Ten Commandments were imposed, modern democracy gives people the power to decide the laws by which they live. Figures like Montesquieu championed the separation of powers to prevent absolute rule by one entity. However, maintaining a consistent set of laws over generations proves to be a challenge due to the short-term interests of individuals versus long-term societal needs. The balance between preserving the integrity of the rule of law and adapting to human imperfection is crucial for a stable and just society.