Jamál, 06 Jalál (Glory), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
Exert every effort in the fields of development and of civilization, in the acquisition of knowledge, the increase of trade, the improvement of agriculture and the promotion of modern discoveries. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration
In what ways can one, regardless of personal circumstances, “Exert every effort in the fields of development and of civilization, in the acquisition of knowledge, the increase of trade, the improvement of agriculture and the promotion of modern discoveries?”
Perplexity Pro Response 2
To “exert every effort” in advancing development, civilization, knowledge acquisition, trade, agriculture, and modern discoveries, individuals can take meaningful steps regardless of their personal circumstances. Here are practical approaches for each field:
Development and Civilization
- Foster Collaboration: Engage in community projects or initiatives that promote mutual learning and cultural exchange. This can include volunteering for organizations that support education, healthcare, or infrastructure development [1].
- Support Global Cooperation: Advocate for policies that encourage international collaboration to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change [1] [4].
Acquisition of Knowledge
- Lifelong Learning: Dedicate time to acquiring new skills or knowledge through online courses, books, or workshops. Platforms like MOOCs provide opportunities for free or affordable education [2] [6].
- Knowledge Sharing: Actively share acquired knowledge with others in your community or workplace. Mentorship and peer-to-peer learning can amplify collective progress [2].
Increase of Trade
- Support Local Businesses: Promote and buy from local enterprises to strengthen the economy and encourage sustainable practices [1].
- Entrepreneurship: Start small-scale ventures or participate in cooperative trade initiatives. Even small contributions can help foster economic growth [1].
Improvement of Agriculture
- Adopt Sustainable Practices: If involved in farming, implement eco-friendly techniques such as crop rotation, organic farming, or water conservation methods [3] [5].
- Support Agricultural Innovation: Advocate for and invest in technologies that improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. For example, precision farming tools or renewable energy solutions for farms [5] [4].
- Community Engagement: Participate in programs like COCOREADO that empower young farmers and promote knowledge sharing within agricultural communities [3].
Promotion of Modern Discoveries
- Encourage Scientific Research: Support initiatives that fund research and innovation in fields such as renewable energy, healthcare technologies, or digital transformation [5] [4].
- Engage with Technology: Stay updated on technological advancements and integrate them into daily life or work to improve efficiency and productivity [6].
By taking these steps—whether small-scale actions at the individual level or broader advocacy efforts—anyone can contribute to the advancement of these vital areas. Each effort collectively drives progress toward a more developed and equitable world.
Citations
[3] New ideas for an old industry: innovations in agriculture – European Youth Forum
[5] Celebrating Science & Innovation in Agriculture – Farming First
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can individuals contribute to mutual learning among civilizations?
- What are some practical steps to promote global trade and commerce?
- How can agriculture be improved to support economic development?
- What role does modern technology play in advancing civilization?
- How can political instability be addressed to foster global development?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/social-action/2#958614197. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Exert Every Effort.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. April 12, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/exert-every-effort-in-the-fiel-DPQZuGekSda874p2YlErlQ. ↩