’Idál, 13 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur), 182 B.E.
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh Observance
Social Action: Underlying Concepts and Principles
Quotes for Reflection:
Science is the first emanation from God toward man. All created beings embody the potentiality of material perfection, but the power of intellectual investigation and scientific acquisition is a higher virtue specialized to man alone. Other beings and organisms are deprived of this potentiality and attainment. God has created or deposited this love of reality in man. The development and progress of a nation is according to the measure and degree of that nation’s scientific attainments. Through this means its greatness is continually increased, and day by day the welfare and prosperity of its people are assured. — Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
How does a nation’s scientific attainments assure the day to day welfare and prosperity of its people?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Scientific advancement is a fundamental driver of a nation’s welfare and prosperity, as it empowers societies to address daily needs, solve complex challenges, and foster continuous improvement in quality of life. This principle, articulated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is substantiated by both spiritual insight and empirical evidence from contemporary development studies.
Material Benefits of Scientific Attainment
Improved Health and Longevity
Advances in science and technology have led to better healthcare, disease prevention, and medical treatments, resulting in healthier populations and longer life expectancies [3] [6].
Economic Growth and Productivity
Nations that invest in scientific research, education, and technological innovation experience higher productivity, job creation, and economic diversification. This leads to higher incomes, increased employment opportunities, and improved standards of living [4] [5] [6].
Enhanced Daily Life
Science and technology simplify daily tasks, make transportation and communication more efficient, and provide tools that improve comfort and security [3] [6].
Agricultural and Industrial Progress
Scientific methods increase agricultural yields and industrial efficiency, ensuring food security and economic stability [4].
Social and Structural Welfare
Education and Empowerment
A scientifically literate population is better equipped to solve problems, adapt to change, and participate in civic life. Education in science fosters critical thinking and innovation, which are essential for societal progress [5].
Addressing Inequality
Scientific and technological progress can help reduce poverty and bridge gaps between rich and poor nations by providing tools and knowledge for sustainable development [4].
Public Health and Safety
Innovations in science and technology improve sanitation, water supply, disaster response, and environmental management, directly impacting the welfare of citizens [3] [4].
Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions
Foundation for Justice and Unity
‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes that true prosperity arises when material progress is guided by spiritual values such as justice, unity, and the pursuit of knowledge for the common good. Science, when harmonized with ethical principles, ensures that its benefits are distributed equitably and serve all segments of society [1].
Continuous Progress
The progress of a nation is measured by its scientific attainments, which enable it to continually increase its greatness and assure the day-to-day welfare and prosperity of its people. This progress is not static but requires ongoing inquiry, application, and the integration of knowledge into practical action [1].
Empirical Evidence
Correlation with Prosperity
Studies show that countries with strong scientific and technological capacities consistently achieve higher levels of prosperity, health, and social stability. The Legatum Prosperity Index, for example, highlights that nations with empowered, educated populations and effective institutions are more prosperous and resilient [2].
Education as a Key Driver
Data from the Economic Policy Institute demonstrates that investment in education and scientific training is the most reliable predictor of higher wages, productivity, and economic opportunity across states and nations [5].
Conclusion
A nation’s scientific attainments assure the day-to-day welfare and prosperity of its people by:
- Providing practical solutions to daily challenges,
- Driving economic growth and innovation,
- Enhancing health, education, and social well-being,
- Fostering justice, unity, and ethical progress,
- Enabling continuous adaptation and improvement in response to new challenges.
In sum, science is not only a means of material advancement but also a foundation for the holistic well-being of society—spiritually, socially, and economically [1] [4] [5].
Citations:
[2] How Nations Succeed: Analyses of National Transformation (PDF) – Prosperity Institute
[3] IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN DAILY LIFE – Open Educational Resources Commons
[4] The roles of science and technology in national development (PDF) – Direct Research Journals
[5] A Well-Educated Workforce Is Key to State Prosperity – Economic Policy Institute
[6] The importance of science and technology to our society? – CareerVillage.org
[8] Want Greater Prosperity? Mind the Gap – Carnegie Corporation of New York
[10] Recoupling Economic and Social Prosperity – University of California Press
[11] Science and the economy: POLICY BRIEFING – The Royal Society
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How does scientific progress directly influence a nation’s economic stability?
- In what ways do advancements in science improve public health and safety?
- Why are scientific attainments considered essential for national security and resilience?
- How can increased scientific knowledge foster social harmony and justice within a country?
- What role does science play in creating opportunities for cooperation among nations?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/118263072. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 49. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/3#457413907. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “How a Nation’s Scientific Attainments Assure Welfare and Prosperity.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. May 27, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/science-is-the-first-emanation-AhtuTekMS0Cj2wAfX9W3lA. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 