Daily Frameworks for 05 September 2025

Istiqlál, 18 Asmáʼ (Names), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Methods and Approaches

Quotes for Reflection:

Some of the creatures of existence can live solitary and alone. A tree, for instance, may live without the assistance and cooperation of other trees. Some animals are isolated and lead a separate existence away from their kind. But this is impossible for man. In his life and being cooperation and association are essential. Through association and meeting we find happiness and development, individual and collective.
For instance, when there is intercourse and cooperation between two villages, the advancement of each will be assured. Likewise, if intercommunication is established between two cities, both will benefit and progress. And if a reciprocal basis of agreement be reached between two countries, their individual and mutual interests will find great development…. It is evident, then, that the outcomes from this basis of agreement and accord are numberless and unlimited. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

Why is it impossible for a person to lead a separate existence away from other people?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

It is impossible for a person to lead a completely separate existence away from other people because, unlike some plants or animals that can exist in isolation, the development, happiness, and advancement of human beings—both individually and collectively—depend deeply on association, cooperation, and mutual support with others. [1]

Essential Role of Cooperation

Human life is fundamentally social; through interpersonal relationships, people find fulfillment, acquire knowledge, and participate in building civilization. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains that while a tree or certain animals may live alone, people find true prosperity, happiness, and progress only when they are able to interact and collaborate, whether at the level of families, villages, cities, or entire nations. [1]

Advancement through Association

When individuals, communities, or countries communicate and cooperate, they help to assure each other’s growth and advancement. This interaction leads to the sharing of knowledge, resources, and opportunities, fostering both individual and collective progress. The “outcomes from this basis of agreement and accord are numberless and unlimited,” showing that advancement is not possible in isolation. [1]

Spiritual and Material Well-Being

The teachings cited emphasize that both spiritual and material well-being are strongly tied to involvement in society and service to others. Serving the common good, consulting with others, and building relationships are viewed as indispensable for achieving true happiness, justice, and prosperity in human life. [1]

Humanity’s Nature

Unlike lower forms of life, humans are endowed with higher faculties—such as the capacity for reason, compassion, and consultation—meant to be exercised in community. Solitude might be possible biologically, but a fully realized human existence—one that fulfills personal and societal potential—depends on meaningful connection and unity with others. [1]

In summary, human beings are created for interdependence: personal fulfillment and collective advancement are achieved through association and cooperation, making a truly separate or solitary existence contrary to human nature and purpose. [1]

Citations

[1] Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020 – Bahá’í Reference Library

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How does cooperation between communities foster individual happiness?
• What role does social association play in personal development?
• How do collective efforts influence the progress of societies?
• Why is human interdependence different from solitary creatures?
• What are examples of benefits from intercountry agreements?

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/259331540. ↩
2. ’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, 35. https://www.bahai.org/r/277148912. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Happiness and Development through Cooperation and Association.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 4, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/some-of-the-creatures-of-exist-X0Nx95xRTLGV1Q9QTkyOvQ. ↩