Istiqlál, 08 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
Good behaviour and high moral character must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will only prove injurious. Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and virtuous character; otherwise it is a deadly poison, a frightful danger. A physician of evil character, and who betrayeth his trust, can bring on death, and become the source of numerous infirmities and diseases. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration
How could the quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’, “Good behaviour and high moral character must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will only prove injurious,” apply to the role of humans in relation to the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI)?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
The quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—“Good behaviour and high moral character must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will only prove injurious. Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and virtuous character; otherwise it is a deadly poison, a frightful danger. A physician of evil character, and who betrayeth his trust, can bring on death, and become the source of numerous infirmities and diseases.”—has profound implications for the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Application to the Role of Humans in AI Development and Use
Primacy of Character and Ethics Over Technical Knowledge
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement emphasizes that knowledge, in the absence of moral character, can become harmful. In the context of AI, this means that the technical expertise to create powerful algorithms or systems is not sufficient; the individuals and institutions guiding AI’s development must be grounded in ethical principles and a sense of responsibility. Without this foundation, the deployment of AI can lead to significant harm—such as the perpetuation of biases, violations of privacy, or the misuse of autonomous systems—mirroring the example of a physician whose lack of integrity can turn healing into harm [1].
Knowledge as a Tool for the Common Good
The Bahá’í teachings stress that knowledge should serve the welfare and interests of humanity as a whole, not just the ambitions of a select few [1]. In AI, this translates to prioritizing applications that uplift society, promote justice, and address universal needs, rather than those that exacerbate inequality, manipulate public opinion, or serve narrow commercial or political interests.
The Danger of Unethical Knowledge Application
The metaphor of knowledge as “a deadly poison, a frightful danger” when divorced from virtue is particularly apt for AI. AI technologies, if wielded by those lacking moral compass, can be weaponized—spreading misinformation, enabling surveillance, or automating discrimination. The “physician of evil character” is analogous to technologists or organizations who, lacking ethical restraint, deploy AI in ways that endanger individuals and societies [1].
Need for Systematic Moral Training and Social Structures
The Bahá’í writings advocate for education systems that prioritize moral training and character development alongside academic achievement, warning that otherwise, knowledge may become a source of harm rather than benefit [1]. For AI, this suggests the necessity of embedding ethics education and character development into the training of AI researchers, developers, and policymakers. Furthermore, it calls for institutional structures—such as ethical review boards, transparent governance, and inclusive consultation—that ensure AI is developed and used in ways that reflect justice, equity, and the well-being of all humanity.
Broader Social Implications
Justice and Oneness
The Bahá’í teachings highlight justice as the “light of men” and the oneness of humanity as the foundation for social progress [1]. AI systems must be designed and governed in a way that upholds justice, avoids oppression, and recognizes the interconnectedness of all people. This includes addressing systemic biases in data, ensuring equitable access to AI’s benefits, and preventing the marginalization of vulnerable populations.
Capacity Building and Collective Responsibility The advancement of AI should be a collective endeavor, where knowledge is shared and applied for the common good, and where all members of society are empowered to participate in shaping its trajectory [1]. This aligns with the Bahá’í principle that access to knowledge is a right and its application a universal responsibility.
Conclusion
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s guidance is a call to ensure that as humanity advances in knowledge—particularly in powerful fields like AI—it does so with a foundation of ethical conduct and virtuous character. Only then can AI become a means for the progress and well-being of all, rather than a source of new dangers and injustices. The quote thus serves as both a warning and a guidepost: technological advancement without moral development risks harm, but joined with high character, it can be a force for profound good [1].
Citations:
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can humans ensure their moral character guides AI development responsibly?
In what ways should ethical training influence AI creators’ decisions and actions? - How might untrained or unethical developers pose risks to society through AI use?
- What lessons from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s emphasis on morality apply to AI’s impact on humanity?
- How can fostering virtues in AI researchers prevent harmful applications of technology?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/118263078. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Application to the Role of Humans in AI Development and Use.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 22, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/good-behaviour-and-high-moral-xgQLgeJQRryLo8zPuFxppw. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 