When the world was first created it was in a state of shlemus, or completeness. The most important thing created at that time was the human soul. It was in a state of perfection. We are meant to take the physical reality and elevate it so that it is spiritual. Through our toil and striving for closeness with G-d through performing His mitzvos, we create the World to Come. How can we remove the imperfections that the snake introduced to the world?