Monasteries that kept to Benedict's Rule could have been very useful institutions. These monasteries would have been extremely tranquil and placid. They stressed the importance of Benedict's views on Christianity; therefore, they would have been important for the spread of these beliefs, since they would not all be located in one area but around the Christian world. Also, monasteries could be displayed as an ideal living environment. This would attract people, and allow their influence to be spread further. The monasteries would teach people to appreciate everything in life and be unselfish and giving towards others, as shown most prominently in rules 13 to 27.
The Rule represents many different aspects in regards to the economic situation and social structure of the time period. War was a constant in this time period in Europe. This is evident in 71 which states: "To make peace with an adversary before the setting of the sun." This shows that war and fighting was not uncommon for the people of Europe, and Benedict wanted people to change their ways. Benedict also wrote about economy in his set of ideas. The people seemed either to be very counterproductive by not working, or that they were being useful and actually working, which drove the economy.
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