Istijlál, 14 Mashíyyat (Will), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
You had asked about poverty and wealth, and the toil of the poor and the comfort of the rich, and you had expressed your amazement and wonder at this situation….
The intent is not, however, to say that all the poor will become rich and they will become equal. Such a concept is like saying that all the ignorant and the illiterate will become the sages of the age and the learned of the learned. Rather, when education becomes compulsory and universal, ignorance and illiteracy will decrease and there will remain no one deprived of education. But, as the basis for distinction is in the person’s capacity and ability, and differences are related to the degree of his intelligence and mental powers, therefore, all the people will not be equal in their knowledge, learning and understanding. The intent is to say that the world of creation calls for distinctions in people’s stations, and degrees in the differences existing among them, so that the affairs of the world may become organized and ordered. Diversity in all created things, whether in kind, in physical appearance, or in station, is the means for their protection, their permanence, unity and harmony. Each part complements the other. — Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
How does the diversity of people relate to their unique distinctions and wholistic complementarities?
Perplexity Pro Response 2
The diversity of people, both in their capacities and roles, is fundamentally related to the health, organization, and harmonious development of society as a whole. Rather than aiming for absolute equality in wealth or knowledge, the intent is that universal education and opportunity reduce deprivation and injustice, while distinctions among people persist because of innate capacity, ability, and intelligence. These differences, far from being sources of division, are essential for the functioning and organization of human affairs, enabling each individual to contribute according to their strengths and, in turn, complement others for collective flourishing. [1]
Unity Through Diversity
Human society is like a living organism where the well-being of each part depends on the health and cooperation of the whole. Diversity in talents, backgrounds, and perspectives is the foundation for societal protection, permanence, unity, and harmony. Each person’s distinction helps fulfill necessary functions, creating complementarities rather than isolating differences. In this view, real unity is achieved by integrating these differences into a cooperative system, not by erasing individual uniqueness. [1]
Social Complementarities
Just as in nature where various elements and stages ensure survival and growth, distinctions among people—whether in roles, skills, or circumstances—are necessary for society’s organization. Complementarity means that one person’s qualities or capacities fill the gaps left by another, and each, in their station and with their resources, enriches the whole. In practice, cooperation and consultation that take advantage of diverse perspectives lead to collective insight, better decisions, and improved outcomes for all. [1]
The Role of Capacity and Education
Universal access to education and opportunity ensures that no one is deprived of potential development, but differences in intelligence, ability, and aspiration determine various levels of achievement. Societal advancement depends on everyone striving to fulfill responsibilities for the general good, fostering environments where individuals rise to their highest capacities, and communities benefit from their distinct contributions. [1]
Justice, Participation, and Intersubjective Well-being
A just society values every individual’s contribution and seeks the prosperity of the whole rather than privilege for a part. All are bound to one another, and systems that prioritize the well-being of some at the expense of others foster injustice. Instead, mutual consultation, constant learning, and orientation toward collective progress allow each person’s unique distinction to become a means of social well-being. This model emphasizes the organic unity of humanity—a unity marked by rich diversity and wholistic complementarities, rather than uniformity. [1]
In summary, the world of creation demands organized distinctions among individuals as the foundation for stable, prosperous, and harmonious societies. Diversity and complementarity are not just unavoidable but are indispensable for unity and order, so that every part enriches and is enriched by the whole. [1]
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
Deeper insight into the dynamics of “unity in diversity” can be gained by asking critical and reflective questions about identity, cooperation, equality, and the governance of diversity in human society. Such questions help uncover hidden beliefs, practical challenges, and opportunities for harmonious coexistence. [1]
Foundational Questions
- How does society benefit from the distinctive talents and capacities of its diverse members? [1]
- In what ways does unity differ from uniformity, and why is the difference important for human advancement? [1]
- What practical steps can communities take to ensure that diversity leads to cooperation rather than division? [1]
Investigating Social Structures
- What systems and practices successfully foster meaningful participation and justice among people of different backgrounds? [1]
- How can consultation and collective decision-making processes make use of a diversity of perspectives without stifling creativity or initiative? [1]
- What are obstacles that prevent individuals of different cultures, races, or social groups from engaging in genuine collaboration, and how might they be overcome? [1]
Exploring Moral and Spiritual Dimensions
- How does the recognition of our shared humanity transform personal and collective identity? [1]
- What role do spiritual principles, such as the oneness of humankind and justice, play in resolving tensions associated with diversity? [1]
- In what ways does love for all people and the subordination of lesser loyalties to the welfare of humanity support true unity? [1]
Approaches to Learning and Action
- How does a learning-oriented approach help communities to continually improve their capacity for unity in diversity? [1]
- What lessons can be learned from environments where diverse populations have built vibrant communities rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and freedom from prejudice? [1]
- How can individuals and groups systematically share insights and experiences in embracing unity in diversity across different regions and contexts? [1]
By reflecting on such questions, the transformative potential of unity in diversity can be more fully understood, leading to stronger, more just, and harmonious communities. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/860544649. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Diversity, Distinction, and Complementarity.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 8, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/you-had-asked-about-poverty-an-o6JWTrTyTzORa_VD9kKJOg#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 