’Idál, 02 Asmáʼ (Names), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Methods and Approaches
Quotes for Reflection:
All blessings are divine in origin, but none can be compared with this power of intellectual investigation and research, which is an eternal gift producing fruits of unending delight. Man is ever partaking of these fruits. All other blessings are temporary; this is an everlasting possession. Even sovereignty has its limitations and overthrow; this is a kingship and dominion which none may usurp or destroy. Briefly, it is an eternal blessing and divine bestowal, the supreme gift of God to man. Therefore, you should put forward your most earnest efforts toward the acquisition of science and arts. The greater your attainment, the higher your standard in the divine purpose. The man of science is perceiving and endowed with vision, whereas he who is ignorant and neglectful of this development is blind. The investigating mind is attentive, alive; the callous and indifferent mind is deaf and dead. A scientific man is a true index and representative of humanity, for through processes of inductive reasoning and research he is informed of all that appertains to humanity, its status, conditions and happenings. He studies the human body politic, understands social problems and weaves the web and texture of civilization. In fact, science may be likened to a mirror wherein the infinite forms and images of existing things are revealed and reflected. It is the very foundation of all individual and national development. Without this basis of investigation, development is impossible. Therefore, seek with diligent endeavor the knowledge and attainment of all that lies within the power of this wonderful bestowal. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
As a blessing, divine in origin, and an “eternal gift producing fruits of unending delight,” how can humanity best benefit “from the power of intellectual investigation and research?”
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Humanity benefits profoundly from the power of intellectual investigation and research, considered here as a divine gift and an eternal blessing because it enables continuous advancement and understanding in every facet of life. Key ways this blessing impacts humanity include:
Progress in Science and Technology
Diligent investigation leads to discoveries that improve health, agriculture, industry, and communications, enhancing the quality of life for countless people.
Social Development
Through research, societies can better understand social structures, confront problems, and devise solutions to issues such as poverty, injustice, and inequality.
Education and Enlightenment
Intellectual investigation fosters curiosity and lifelong learning, helping individuals and communities move beyond prejudice and ignorance.
Spiritual and Moral Growth
Investigating the nature of existence, ethics, and humanity’s purpose allows for a deeper connection to the divine, nurturing qualities like humility, fairness, and compassion.
Building Civilization
As described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the scientific mind “weaves the web and texture of civilization.” Knowledge gained through research forms the foundation for policies, institutions, and collective endeavors that support peace and prosperity.
Resilience and Adaptability
Pursuit of knowledge empowers humanity to confront new challenges—such as climate change, pandemics, or social upheaval—by equipping us with tools for problem-solving and adaptation.
Quoting from the passage, science is “the very foundation of all individual and national development”—without investigation, progress is impossible. Thus, by nurturing the spirit of inquiry and research, humanity can continually partake in “fruits of unending delight,” shaping a civilization that reflects the highest aspirations and values of the human spirit.
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/331917613. ↩
- ’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, 50. https://www.bahai.org/r/325690063. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The Power of Intellectual Investigation and Research.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. August 19, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/all-blessings-are-divine-in-or-3.IUGSgTTTmpbv.7z_VgmQ. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 