Kamál, 06 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
The crisis that exists in the world is not confined to the farmers. Its effects have reached every means of livelihood. The farmers are in a sense better off because they at least have food to eat. But on the whole the crisis is serving a great purpose. It is broadening the outlook of man, teaching him to think internationally, forcing him to take into consideration the welfare of his neighbours if he wishes to improve his own condition. — Shoghi Effendi 1
Question for Consideration
How is the crisis that exists in the world “broadening the outlook of man, teaching him to think internationally, forcing him to take into consideration the welfare of his neighbours if he wishes to improve his own condition?”
Perplexity Pro Response 2
The crisis in the world is “broadening the outlook of man, teaching him to think internationally, forcing him to take into consideration the welfare of his neighbours if he wishes to improve his own condition” because it exposes humanity’s fundamental interconnectedness, necessitating new patterns of thought and collaboration that rise above individual, national, or class interests toward global solidarity and collective well-being. This shift is being accelerated by the breakdown of old, divisive structures and the pressing need to find solutions that are viable only through global cooperation, justice, and unity. [1]
Broadening Outlook through Crisis
- The difficulties facing every means of livelihood, not just farmers, drive people to recognize that problems and solutions can no longer be addressed in isolation or purely locally; the prosperity of each part relies on the flourishing of the whole. [1]
- As barriers of prejudice and self-interest are swept aside, there opens “space for the process of integration to draw diverse groups together,” increasing cooperation and opportunities for collaboration on international scales. [1]
Thinking Internationally
- Scientific, social, and economic advances have contracted the world into “a single neighbourhood” — making it evident that the welfare of any group, country, or class is inseparable from the good of humanity at large. [1]
- A crisis of such breadth shows that attempts to secure local or national interests without regard for global conditions exacerbate suffering and instability everywhere, leading even decision-makers to realize the need for consultative and coordinated approaches across boundaries. [1]
The Welfare of Neighbours and Self-Interest
- The analogy of the world as a “human body” illustrates that “the viability of every cell and every organ is contingent upon the health of the body as a whole; so should the prosperity of every individual… be sought in the well-being of the entire human race”. [1]
- Justice demands impartiality and concern for the community; “to consider the welfare of the community as one’s own” shows that individual advance cannot be separated from the condition of others. [1]
- The principle of “world citizenship” emerges from this crisis, wherein a wider loyalty to humanity replaces “unbridled nationalism,” nurturing a spirit of solidarity and shared identity that makes true progress possible only when the advantage of the part is reached through the advantage of the whole. [1]
Organic Change in Society
- The crisis, by undermining outdated norms and institutions, forces a reevaluation of relationships–among individuals, communities, and nations–highlighting the necessity for an “organic change in the very structure of society,” based on the oneness and interdependence of mankind. [1]
- Efforts to address social, economic, and environmental challenges increasingly depend on collaborative processes, consultation, and unity—qualities that the crisis is teaching humanity to value and exercise in the quest for global solutions. [1]
In summary, the present crisis is not merely a time of suffering; it is serving as a catalyst for humanity to widen its perspective, embrace internationalism, and act decisively for the common good, thus laying the foundations for a more unified and just world order. [1]
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
To leverage crisis into opportunities that add value for the benefit of humanity, thoughtful and probing questions can help cultivate deeper understanding and inspire meaningful collective action. [1]
Reflective and Analytical Questions
- What is the true nature of the crisis—its underlying causes and systemic manifestations—and how do these reveal opportunities for transformation and growth? [1]
- In what ways can the process of learning from crisis promote innovative thinking, adaptation, and systematic change within communities and institutions? [1]
- How can spiritual principles such as justice, unity, and oneness be translated into practical solutions that address both the immediate needs and long-term welfare of populations? [1]
- What mechanisms or approaches ensure that the solutions to crises are inclusive, empowering local populations to participate actively in creating their own future? [1]
- How can existing resources—human, material, and spiritual—be organized or mobilized creatively to meet the “needs of the age we live in,” avoiding rigid formulas and fostering organic, sustainable growth? [1]
- What are the lessons learned from previous crises, and how can these be applied to avert repetition and guide progress toward greater maturity and collective good? [1]
- How do we balance the necessity for immediate relief with the imperative to build long-term capacity and resilience within communities and societies? [1]
Strategic and Ethical Questions
- How can consultation, collaboration, and systematic reflection be used to ensure that solutions are both just and effective in elevating the well-being of all segments of society? [1]
- In what ways can we ensure that our efforts to help do not undermine the initiative and autonomy of those we wish to serve, but rather build capacity and foster ownership of development? [1]
- How do efforts to meet pressing needs avoid unintended consequences, such as dependency on external resources or suffocation of local initiative? [1]
- What new “instruments” or methodologies can be developed to systematically add value—educational, economic, technological, social—while preserving the dignity and rights of all involved? [1]
- How can the talents and expertise of individuals and groups be matched thoughtfully to the needs and capacities of others, ensuring that all contribute meaningfully to shared solutions? [1]
Questions for Collective Action
- What does true service to humanity look like in the midst of crisis, and how do we cultivate habits of philanthropic deeds, unity, and accord with all people? [1]
- How can the community’s involvement in social action flourish alongside spiritual growth, so that capacity building occurs in both material and spiritual dimensions? [1]
- What vital role can youth, women, and other often marginalized groups play in transforming crisis into opportunity, and how do we create spaces for their leadership and participation? [1]
- How should humanity read and respond to its social reality, recognizing both the forces of destruction and integration at play, so as to chart a new path for civilization advancement? [1]
Posing and systematically reflecting on such questions can illuminate pathways for transforming crisis into opportunity and fostering value creation for the benefit of all humanity. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/917666035. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Positive Consequences of Crisis.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 19, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-crisis-that-exists-in-the-J1uEhxuNSSWOUnIDAoP7OA#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 