329. We can tell what a useful function is from the goal of the creation of the universe. The goal of the creation of the universe is to bring about an angelic heaven; and since an angelic heaven is the goal, so is humanity or the human race, since that is where heaven comes from. It follows, then, that everything that has been created is an intermediate goal, and that the functions are useful in the sequence, on the level, and in the specific way that they relate to humanity, and through humanity to the Lord.

364. Everyone sees that the intellect is the recipient vessel of wisdom, but few see that the will is the recipient vessel of love. The reason is that the will does nothing by itself, but acts through the intellect. Moreover, when the will's love crosses over into the wisdom of the intellect, it turns first into an affection and so crosses over, and an affection is not perceived except in consequence of a certain pleasure in thinking, speaking and acting, to which no attention is paid. Nevertheless, that the will is the origin is apparent from the fact that everyone wills what he loves, and does not will what he does not love.