Daily Frameworks for 28 April 2025

Kamál, 02 Jamál (Beauty), 182 B.E.

Ninth Day of Ridván

Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles

Quotes for Reflection:

The long ages of infancy and childhood, through which the human race had to pass, have receded into the background. Humanity is now experiencing the commotions invariably associated with the most turbulent stage of its evolution, the stage of adolescence, when the impetuosity of youth and its vehemence reach their climax, and must gradually be superseded by the calmness, the wisdom, and the maturity that characterize the stage of manhood. Then will the human race reach that stature of ripeness which will enable it to acquire all the powers and capacities upon which its ultimate development must depend. — Shoghi Effendi ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

What powers and capacities does the human race need for its ultimate development and how does reaching maturity enable it to acquire them?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

Powers and Capacities Needed for Humanity’s Ultimate Development

Spiritual and Moral Capacities

• Unity and Oneness: The most vital principle is the oneness and wholeness of the human race. Humanity’s maturity requires the recognition and establishment of its unity, transcending all forms of prejudice and division [1].
• Justice and Equity: The development of a sense of justice that ensures the well-being of all, abolishing extremes of wealth and poverty, and fostering fairness in economic and social relationships [1].
• Moral Virtues: New virtues and powers, such as faithfulness, sincerity, justice, fidelity, firmness, steadfastness, philanthropic deeds, and service to humanity, are essential. These virtues underpin the transformation of both individual character and collective life [1].
• Consultation and Collaboration: The ability to consult and collaborate effectively, ensuring that decisions reflect collective wisdom and the needs of the age [1].
• Responsibility for the Common Good: A fundamental change of consciousness is needed, where each person accepts responsibility for the welfare of the entire human family [1].
  

Intellectual and Practical Capacities

• Knowledge and Science: Humanity must unlock the doors of sciences, arts, and knowledge, applying them for the advancement and well-being of all peoples [1].
• Education: Universal education, including the moral and academic training of all, especially women and children, is foundational for progress [1].
• Capacity Building: Communities must develop the capacity to make and implement decisions about their spiritual and material progress, building from the grassroots up [1].
• Coherence Between Material and Spiritual Life: Achieving a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life, integrating both dimensions in all endeavors [1].
  

Social and Economic Capacities

• Social Action and Service: The ability to engage in social and economic development, addressing the material needs of society while guided by spiritual principles [1].
• Mutual Aid and Cooperation: Strengthening the foundation of cooperation and mutual aid, which is vital for the survival and prosperity of humanity [1].
• Institution Building: Developing institutions that reflect spiritual principles and serve the needs of all, such as Houses of Worship with associated educational, health, and social services [1].
• Moderation and Economic Justice: Establishing systems that ensure moderation in wealth, fair wages, and the abolition of extremes of wealth and poverty, while respecting differences in capacity and ability [1].
  

How Maturity Enables the Acquisition of These Powers

Transition from Adolescence to Maturity

• Overcoming Impetuosity: Just as an individual moves from the impulsiveness of youth to the calmness and wisdom of adulthood, humanity’s maturity is marked by the ability to act with foresight, restraint, and collective purpose, rather than short-term self-interest or passion [1].
• Emergence of New Virtues: Maturity brings new moralities, virtues, and capacities that were not possible or needed in earlier stages of humanity’s development. The gifts and graces of youth, while sufficient in their time, are now inadequate for the demands of maturity [1].
• Capacity for Systematic Action: Maturity enables humanity to approach social and economic challenges systematically, building institutions and processes that are sustainable, inclusive, and just [1].
• Readiness for Greater Tasks: As humanity matures, it becomes capable of addressing more complex and far-reaching tasks, such as the unification of the human race, the establishment of global justice, and the creation of a world civilization that harmonizes material and spiritual progress [1].
  

Unlocking Latent Potential

• Release of Latent Powers: The period of maturity is when the “lights of intelligence have their greatest power and development.” New bounties, bestowals, and perfections are already descending upon humanity, awaiting recognition and application [1].
• Organic Growth: The process of growth is organic and collective. As capacity rises within individuals and communities, new forms of social action and cooperation naturally emerge, leading to the transformation of society [1].
• Integration of Diversity: Maturity allows for the integration of diverse talents, insights, and resources, ensuring that progress is not the domain of a privileged few but the collective achievement of all [1].
  

Conclusion

Humanity’s ultimate development depends on the acquisition of powers and capacities that are both spiritual and material: unity, justice, knowledge, cooperation, and the ability to build institutions that serve the common good. Reaching maturity enables humanity to acquire these capacities by fostering new virtues, systematic action, and the integration of previously latent potential. This collective maturity is not only a stage of greater capability but also of greater responsibility, as humanity learns to act as a unified body for the advancement of an ever-advancing civilization [1].

Citations

[1] Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020 (PDF)

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How does reaching maturity influence the development of collective wisdom?
• What role does education play in the ultimate development of humanity?
• How can the human race balance material and spiritual development?
• What are the key capacities needed for humanity’s ultimate development?
• How does the concept of social and economic development relate to individual maturity?

1. 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#302388440. ↩
2. Effendi, Shoghi. The World Order of Baháʾuʾlláh: Selected Letters. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/world-order-bahaullah/11#166959448 ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Powers and Capacities Needed for Humanity’s Ultimate Development.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. April 27, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-long-ages-of-infancy-and-c-2endUVjkQd6Lpey2uZfvhA. ↩