Daily Frameworks for 04 October 2025

Jalál, 09 Mashíyyat (Will), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

Make ye every effort to improve the Tarbíyat School and to develop order and discipline in this institution. Utilize every means to make this School a garden of the All-Merciful, from which the lights of learning will cast their beams, and wherein the children, whether Bahá’í or other, will be educated to such a degree as to become God’s gifts to man, and the pride of the human race. Let them make the greatest progress in the shortest span of time, let them open wide their eyes and uncover the inner realities of all things, become proficient in every art and skill, and learn to comprehend the secrets of all things even as they are—this faculty being one of the clearly evident effects of servitude to the Holy Threshold.
It is certain that ye will make every effort to bring this about, will also draw up plans for the opening of a number of schools. These schools for academic studies must at the same time be training centres in behaviour and conduct, and they must favour character and conduct above the sciences and arts. 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.
Devote ye the utmost attention to this matter, for the basic, the foundation-principle of a school is first and foremost moral training, character and the rectification of conduct. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ^{1 2}

Question for Consideration

What are the conditions by which knowledge is praiseworthy and what are the potential consequences if those conditions are not met?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and virtuous character; otherwise, it brings serious harm and danger to both the individual and society. Without moral training as its foundation, education can prove injurious, becoming a “deadly poison” rather than a blessing. [1]

Conditions for Praiseworthy Knowledge

• Knowledge must be grounded in good behaviour and high moral character. [1]
• The foundation of education should be moral training, character development, and rectification of conduct, prioritizing these above sciences and arts. [1]
• Knowledge is considered valuable when used for the welfare of humanity and safeguarded by ethical standards. [1]
• Every branch of learning, when conjoined with the love of God, is approved and worthy; bereft of this, learning is barren and can even bring harm. [1]
  

Consequences When Conditions Are Not Met

• Acquiring knowledge without moral development may injure society and the individual, leading to corruption and danger. [1]
• Such unbalanced education can breed individuals who misuse their skills and positions—like an immoral physician who becomes the source of “numerous infirmities and diseases.” [1]
• Knowledge lacking virtue can act as a “frightful danger”, causing social disorder, injustice, and suffering. [1]
• Ultimately, true progress requires both spiritual and material accomplishments; neglecting spiritual and ethical principles results in misuse of knowledge and stagnation rather than advancement. [1]
  

In summary, praiseworthy knowledge is inseparable from moral character, and lacking this unity, knowledge can result in harm rather than benefit. [1]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

Questions guiding moral character development as a lead-in to the acquisition of knowledge should focus on intention, service, justice, unity, and the beneficial purpose of learning. [1]

Core Guiding Questions

• What is the purpose of pursuing this knowledge, and how does it serve the welfare of humanity? [1]
• Will acquiring this knowledge help to promote unity, justice, and harmony among people? [1]
• How can this learning be applied to improve the well-being of others, not just personal gain? [1]
• Does seeking this knowledge reinforce humility, consultation, and cooperation with others? [1]
• Is my intention aligned with the teachings of God and the desire for universal good? [1]
• Will this knowledge, when applied, support ethical and moral conduct in daily life? [1]
• How does this learning contribute to the spiritual and material progress of both self and society? [1]
  

Practical Considerations

• Ask whether the pursuit of knowledge is coupled with efforts to rectify one’s own character and conduct, placing moral training first. [1]
• Consider if the type of knowledge sought is beneficial and praiseworthy, not merely for personal advancement but for service to others. [1]
• Examine if one’s motivation for education is free from selfish interest, promotes collaboration, and upholds justice as a guiding principle. [1]
  

Focusing on these questions before acquiring knowledge fosters character, ensures ethical application, and prepares one to use learning for the greater good and advancement of society. [1]

Citations

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

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/684491286. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Bahá’í Sacred Writings.” Bahá’í Reference Library, July 2025. https://www.bahai.org/r/251267296. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Knowledge as Praiseworthy.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 3, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/make-ye-every-effort-to-improv-w6gi6skvQDa_8fG_678ypg#0. ↩