Daily Frameworks for 05 September 2023

Fidál, 17 Asmá’ (Names), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the human world, and without it prosperity and salvation are unattainable to any soul in all the worlds of God. Whensoever this holy attribute becometh securely established in one’s being, the acquisition of all heavenly virtues will be realized. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues. List five virtues.

Can we acquire these virtues without truthfulness? ²

Google Bard Response:

The five virtues that are often mentioned as being foundation upon truthfulness are:

• Honesty: Being truthful in your words and actions.
• Integrity: Being consistent in your values and principles.
• Trustworthiness: Being reliable and dependable.
• Courage: Having the strength to do what is right, even when it is difficult.
• Justice: Upholding what is fair and just.
  

These virtues are all interrelated. For example, if you are honest, you are more likely to be trustworthy and have integrity. And if you are courageous, you are more likely to stand up for what is right, even if it is unpopular.

It is possible to acquire some of these virtues without truthfulness. For example, you can be courageous without being honest, if you are willing to do what you believe is right, even if you are lying about it. However, it is difficult to acquire all of these virtues without truthfulness. Without truthfulness, the foundation is shaky and the other virtues will not be able to stand.

Here are some examples of how truthfulness is essential for the other virtues:

• Honesty: If you are not honest, you cannot be trustworthy. People will not be able to rely on you if they cannot believe what you say.
• Integrity: If you are not honest, you cannot have integrity. Integrity means being consistent in your values and principles. If you are willing to lie, you are also willing to compromise your values.
• Courage: If you are not honest, it will be difficult to be courageous. Courage often requires standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular. If you are not truthful, people will not believe you and you will not be able to inspire others to take action.
• Justice: If you are not honest, it will be difficult to be just. Justice requires being fair and impartial. If you are willing to lie, you are more likely to make decisions based on your own interests, rather than the interests of others.
  

So, while it is possible to acquire some of these virtues without truthfulness, it is difficult to acquire all of them without truthfulness. Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues, and without it, the others will not be able to stand.

1. Effendi, Shoghi. The Advent of Divine Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1938. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/advent-divine-justice/3#293314070. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 6. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩