Daily Frameworks for 01 March 2024

Istiqlál, 01 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 180 B.E

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

I HOPE that in this nether world thou shalt attain unto heavenly light, thou wilt free the souls from the gloom of nature, which is the animal kingdom, and cause them to reach lofty stations in the human kingdom. Today all people are immersed in the world of nature. That is why thou dost see jealousy, greed, the struggle for survival, deception, hypocrisy, tyranny, oppression, disputes, strife, bloodshed, looting and pillaging, which all emanate from the world of nature. Few are those who have been freed from this darkness, who have ascended from the world of nature to the world of man, who have followed the divine Teachings, have served the world of humanity, are resplendent, merciful, illumined and like unto a rose garden. Strive thine utmost to become godlike, characterized with His attributes, illumined and merciful, that thou mayest be freed from every bond and become attached at heart to the Kingdom of the incomparable Lord. This is Bahá’í bounty, and this is heavenly light. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Where does the tendency to gossip and engage in backbiting come from? ²

Google Gemini Response:

There are various theories and perspectives on why individuals gossip and backbite. Here are some potential contributing factors, recognizing that the specific reasons can vary depending on individual and social contexts:

Evolutionary perspectives:

• Social bonding: Some theories suggest that gossip was a tool for early humans to share information about potential threats and build social bonds by establishing shared knowledge and values.
• Social monitoring: Sharing information about others’ behavior could have helped our ancestors maintain social order and enforce group norms.
  

Psychological perspectives:

• Need for social connection: Gossip can be a way to connect with others, feel part of a group, and strengthen social bonds.
• Negative emotions: Backbiting can stem from negative emotions like anger, jealousy, or envy, offering an outlet to express these feelings indirectly.
• Need to feel superior: Putting others down through gossip or backbiting can make some individuals feel better about themselves and bolster self-esteem.
• Boredom or lack of excitement: Gossip can provide entertainment and drama in situations lacking stimulation.
  

Social and cultural factors:

• Social norms: Certain cultures or social groups may have norms that tolerate or even encourage gossip as a form of social interaction.
• Competition: In competitive environments, individuals might use gossip to gain an advantage or undermine rivals.
• Media influences: Exposure to media portraying gossip and negativity can normalize and even glamorize these behaviors.
  

It’s important to note that these are potential explanations, not justifications. Gossip and backbiting can have harmful consequences, as discussed earlier.

Some additional points to consider:

• Individual differences: People have different personalities and motivations. Some may be more prone to gossip or backbiting than others, regardless of the abovementioned contributing factors.
• The role of self-awareness: Recognizing our tendencies towards negative gossip and consciously choosing to act differently can be essential to building a more positive and respectful community.
  

Ultimately, while various factors may contribute to gossip and backbite, it’s important to remember that we can choose our words and actions. By consciously promoting positive communication and understanding, we can build a more positive and supportive environment for everyone.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

Gossip and backbiting are intriguing aspects of human communication. Let’s delve into the origins and psychology behind these behaviors:

Gossip:

• Definition: Gossip involves talking about people who aren’t present. It’s a natural part of conversation, information sharing, and community building.
• Neutral Gossip: Surprisingly, most gossip is neutral rather than negative. In a study, participants spent around 52 minutes a day gossiping, 75% of that gossip being benign. For instance, discussing someone’s movie-watching habits can fall into this category.
• Evolutionary Roots: Evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar proposed that gossip resembles the grooming behavior seen in primates. Instead of physically grooming, humans talk about others, conveying social information. This ability allows us to spread valuable knowledge across large social networks.
• Social Function: Gossip plays various roles in maintaining functional societies over time. It helps us bond, share information, and navigate complex social networks.
  

Backbiting

• Definition: Backbiting involves speaking negatively about someone behind their back, often without their knowledge or consent. It can stem from jealousy, resentment, or a desire to elevate oneself at others’ expense.
• Psychological Basis: Our brains remember negative information about others more than positive details. Negative judgments weigh heavily on our minds. Backbiting may serve as a way to express frustration or assert dominance.
• Consequences: Backbiting can harm relationships, erode trust, and create a toxic environment. It’s essential to be mindful of our words and their impact.
  

In summary, gossip and backbiting have deep-seated roots in our evolutionary past and serve various social functions. While gossip can be benign or even positive, backbiting requires caution, as it can damage relationships and undermine trust.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 206. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/8#784118156. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, . https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩