Istijál, 19 ʼIzzat (Might), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
Stranger even than this episode is the fact that the government of Japan was in the beginning subject to and under the protection of China, and that now for some years, Japan has opened its eyes and adopted the techniques of contemporary progress and civilization, promoting sciences and industries of use to the public, and striving to the utmost of their power and competence until public opinion was focused on reform. This government has currently advanced to such a point that, although its population is only one-sixth, or even one-tenth, that of China, it has recently challenged the latter government, and China has finally been forced to come to terms. Observe carefully how education and the arts of civilization bring honor, prosperity, independence and freedom to a government and its people.
It is, furthermore, a vital necessity to establish schools throughout Persia, even in the smallest country towns and villages, and to encourage the people in every possible way to have their children learn to read and write. If necessary, education should even be made compulsory. Until the nerves and arteries of the nation stir into life, every measure that is attempted will prove vain; for the people are as the human body, and determination and the will to struggle are as the soul, and a soulless body does not move. This dynamic power is present to a superlative degree in the very nature of the Persian people, and the spread of education will release it. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
What are the benefits of education and what measures can be taken to assure it is available for everyone?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Education is essential for the honor, prosperity, independence, and freedom of both governments and their peoples, unlocking the creative and transformative powers latent in every society. The benefits of education include societal advancement, civic well-being, economic growth, social justice, and the development of individual capacities for both material and spiritual progress. [1]
Benefits of Education
- Education raises the standard of living by enabling people to obtain knowledge and develop skills that benefit not only themselves but also their communities. [1]
- The spread of education cultivates independence, freedom, and the very soul of a people, sparking the will and determination necessary for collective progress. [1]
- A well-educated population is more prepared to grapple with the challenges of the age, fostering prosperity, reducing ignorance, and minimizing injustice and oppression. [1]
- Education is key to the promotion of the arts and sciences, vital for a flourishing civilization, and leads to social cohesion and unity among diverse populations. [1]
- Universal education erases barriers of separation, enhances mutual understanding, and further advances the unity of nations. [1]
Measures to Assure Universal Education
- It is a vital necessity to establish schools in every city, town, and village, ensuring that even the smallest or most remote communities have access to learning. [1]
- Societies should encourage all parents to have their children taught to read and write; if necessary, education should be made compulsory so that no one is left behind. [1]
- Provision must be made for the education of children whose families cannot afford it, ensuring that poverty is not a barrier to learning. [1]
- Schools should be well organized, employ teachers of high character and expertise, and prioritize both the sciences and arts as well as ethical and spiritual training. [1]
- Educational initiatives should also focus on raising literacy among adults, empowering women and girls, and equipping communities to take charge of their development. [1]
- Community organizations and local authorities can play key roles by providing resources, organizing regular consultations, establishing funds, and supporting inclusive, holistic programs that nurture the capacities of every individual. [1]
Key Principles to Guide Implementation
- Universal and compulsory education is foundational: ignorance is seen as the principal cause of a nation’s decline. [1]
- Educational content must cultivate not just knowledge, but also rectitude, good character, and the capacity to solve contemporary problems. [1]
- Both girls and boys must be equally encouraged, as the education of mothers fundamentally affects the next generation. [1]
- Learning should be dynamic, evolving to meet the needs of the present age and fostering a balance between material progress and spiritual values. [1]
By institutionalizing these measures, education becomes a transformative power for individuals, communities, and nations, ensuring collective advancement across all dimensions of life. [1]
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
To deepen understanding about the importance of education and how to make it universally available, consider the following follow-up questions that explore both principles and practicalities: [1]
About the Importance of Education
- How does education contribute to the development of both individuals and entire societies, beyond economic factors? [1]
- What role does education play in cultivating virtues, ethics, and social responsibility in a population? [1]
- In what ways does universal education help eliminate prejudice, promote unity, and advance justice? [1]
- How might education be designed to balance the acquisition of technical knowledge with spiritual and moral development? [1]
About Making Education Universally Available
- What are the major barriers—economic, social, or cultural—to providing education for all children, especially in rural or disadvantaged areas? [1]
- What successful models or strategies exist for establishing schools in villages or underserved communities? [1]
- How can communities be empowered to initiate and sustain their own educational programs? [1]
- What is the appropriate role of government, local institutions, and external aid in making education universal without creating dependency or external control? [1]
- How can educational systems ensure both boys and girls have equal opportunities and encouragement to learn? [1]
- What measures can be taken to integrate adult literacy and lifelong learning into the vision for universal education? [1]
- How should education be adapted to reflect and respect the unique needs, languages, and cultures of different communities, while still meeting universal standards? [1]
Exploring Practical Measures and Innovations
- What role can technology and remote learning play in extending the reach of education? [1]
- How can families and parents be actively encouraged and supported to value and prioritize their children’s education? [1]
- What mechanisms are effective for making education both compulsory and accessible in diverse social contexts? [1]
These questions can guide further study, conversations, or research into both the transformative value of education and the most effective ways to ensure that every individual benefits from it. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/595099597. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition | Reprint. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1975, 111-112. https://www.bahai.org/r/008738328. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Universal Education: Benefits and Guidelines for Implementation.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. September 24, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/observe-carefully-how-educatio-ozmhA7sgQzGqJ5Kr5CAelw#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 