Jamál, 02 Qawl (Speech), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
Let us consider this justly and without bias: let us ask ourselves which one of these basic principles and sound, well-established procedures would fail to satisfy our present needs, or would be incompatible with Persia’s best political interests or injurious to the general welfare of her people. Would the extension of education, the development of useful arts and sciences, the promotion of industry and technology, be harmful things? For such endeavor lifts the individual within the mass and raises him out of the depths of ignorance to the highest reaches of knowledge and human excellence. 1 Would the setting up of just legislation, in accord with the divine laws which guarantee the happiness of society and protect the rights of all mankind and are an impregnable proof against assault—would such laws, insuring the integrity of the members of society and their equality before the law, inhibit their prosperity and success? — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 2
Question for Consideration
How can “the extension of education, the development of useful arts and sciences, the promotion of industry and technology” be carried out so they are not harmful?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
The extension of education, the development of useful arts and sciences, and the promotion of industry and technology can be carried out in ways that are beneficial rather than harmful by ensuring these processes remain grounded in sound ethical, social, and spiritual principles. These undertakings should help individuals achieve excellence, lift them from ignorance, and support the collective progress and unity of society—not just technological or material advance for its own sake. [1]
Education Rooted in Ethics and Service
Education should be universal and accessible to all, boys and girls alike, focusing not only on acquiring knowledge and skills but also on refining moral character and fostering social responsibility. Instruction must couple knowledge with ethical training, so that learning uplifts both the individual and the community. Without this foundation, education can risk becoming a source of pride, self-conceit, or social division. [1]
Useful Arts and Sciences for Human Progress
The arts and sciences must be pursued in ways that demonstrably benefit society—advancing knowledge, solving real problems, and promoting well-being. They should not be undertaken merely for personal gain or as means of domination. Community initiatives should encourage the discovery and implementation of new technologies and artistic expressions, provided they are just, inclusive, and sensitive to local identity and culture. Only technologies and methods of proven usefulness should be adopted, and care must be taken to avoid approaches that erode cultural heritage or disrupt the fabric of society. [1]
Industry and Technology in Service to Society
Economic and technological development must be carefully guided so they serve humanity and the common good. The accumulation of wealth, progress in industry, and the adoption of new technologies should be accompanied by justice, moderation, and a commitment to sharing benefits widely. The negative impacts of technological or economic change—such as social disruption, environmental harm, or the exploitation of vulnerable groups—must be conscientiously avoided. Industry should operate in a spirit of service, fair dealing, and stewardship of resources rather than being driven solely by profit or competition. [1]
Community Consultation and Participatory Development
The needs, perspectives, and participation of the whole community—including the most vulnerable—must be central to all development efforts. Local consultative bodies should continuously reflect, learn, and guide the process, ensuring coherence between spiritual, social, and material dimensions of life. By fostering collaboration and a strong sense of purpose, communities can avoid the pitfalls of paternalistic charity, unsustainable projects, or the blind importation of foreign models. [1]
Moderation, Justice, and Spiritual Foundations
Development must strive for moderation—neither excessive centralization of wealth nor enforced sameness, but just opportunities and prosperity for all. At every stage, goals and methods must be evaluated by their service to the general welfare, justice, and the expression of human virtues. Legitimate prosperity is attained when scientific, artistic, and technological advances enable all members of society to develop and contribute, without creating extremes of wealth and poverty or undermining moral standards. [1]
In summary, to ensure that progress in education, the arts, sciences, industry, and technology is not harmful, it must be integrated with spiritual and ethical values, be directed to the betterment of all people, retain respect for cultural diversity, and be implemented in a just, consultative, and equitable manner. [1]
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
To deepen understanding about how the extension of education, the development of arts and sciences, and the promotion of industry and technology can be beneficial rather than harmful, important questions should probe both principles and practical applications. [1]
- How can ethical and spiritual values be practically integrated into modern educational systems and curricula? [1]
- What safeguards can communities employ to ensure advancements in industry and technology do not have unintended negative effects, such as inequality or environmental harm? [1]
- In what ways can local culture and identity be preserved while encouraging innovation in arts, sciences, and technology? [1]
- How can community consultation and participation be structured so all voices—especially those of marginalized groups—are included in development initiatives? [1]
- What indicators can be used to assess whether a particular intervention or policy is genuinely improving the general welfare and not causing hidden harm? [1]
- How can societies find a balance between economic competitiveness and collective prosperity, ensuring that technological progress fosters unity and equity rather than division? [1]
- In what ways can justice and moderation be promoted in economic activity so that neither excessive wealth nor poverty results from development efforts? [1]
- How should educational, scientific, and industrial advances respond to global challenges such as climate change, displacement, or cultural homogenization? [1]
- What role should government policy, civil society, and grassroots initiatives play in guiding and monitoring these areas of progress? [1]
These questions help develop a holistic understanding and support approaches that are just, equitable, and consistent with both material and spiritual progress. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/587865686. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition | Reprint. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1975, 14. https://www.bahai.org/r/700068389. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Do No Harm.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 21, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/let-us-consider-this-justly-an-V4gKMBHGSeuOOMTwrLnX2Q#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 