Kamál, 03 Qawl (Speech), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
It is therefore urgent that beneficial articles and books be written, clearly and definitely establishing what the present-day requirements of the people are, and what will conduce to the happiness and advancement of society. These should be published and spread throughout the nation, so that at least the leaders among the people should become, to some degree, awakened, and arise to exert themselves along those lines which will lead to their abiding honor. The publication of high thoughts is the dynamic power in the arteries of life; it is the very soul of the world. Thoughts are a boundless sea, and the effects and varying conditions of existence are as the separate forms and individual limits of the waves; not until the sea boils up will the waves rise and scatter their pearls of knowledge on the shore of life. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
What does ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s analogy about waves of the sea and pearls of knowledge mean in the context of information flow, thoughts, leadership responsibilities, and social change?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s analogy of the waves of the sea and pearls of knowledge illustrates the dynamic and transformative nature of thought and information in society. In this analogy, thoughts are described as a vast sea, with their influence and diversity mirrored in the waves, which represent the varied forms and conditions of existence. Only when this “sea” is stirred—meaning when thought is energized and inspired—do the waves rise and cast “pearls of knowledge” onto the shore of life, making wisdom and insight accessible to all. [1]
Information Flow
The analogy emphasizes that for meaningful information—”pearls of knowledge”—to reach society, there must first be a boiling up in the sea of thought. This signifies that creative, profound, and purposeful ideas must be actively generated and circulated for knowledge to have a lasting effect. The process of publishing “high thoughts” is described as the soul of the world, underscoring the vital role of clear and beneficial information in animating social progress and awakening collective consciousness. [1]
Leadership Responsibilities
‘Abdu’l-Bahá indicates that leaders, in particular, should be awakened by these high thoughts and exert themselves to advance honor and happiness for society. The call to publish articles and books that address current needs highlights the duty of leaders and thinkers to discern the real requirements of their time, actively communicate these, and inspire others toward constructive change. Leaders must interact with, refine, and disseminate knowledge so that society’s needs are understood and addressed, and social advancement is realized. [1]
Social Change
The analogy also suggests that social change is catalyzed when new ideas are vigorously generated and shared. The “boiling” of the sea, corresponding to the passionate development and sharing of thoughts, leads to the emergence of new forms, possibilities, and solutions—like waves scattering pearls upon the shore. It is only through this energetic process that transformation and advancement can occur, demonstrating that the publication and dissemination of progressive thought directly unlocks new potential and social growth. [1]
Summary
Overall, this analogy teaches that information is not static; it must be stimulated by the creative and purposeful activity of individuals and leaders. The flow of thought, guided by sincere and high ideals, is the very soul of societal development, and leadership involves not only the reception but active generation and broadcasting of needed knowledge. This process, likened to the “sea boiling up,” is essential for social change and for spreading wisdom and understanding throughout the community. [1]
Citations
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/587865685. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition | Reprint. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1975, 109-110. https://www.bahai.org/r/226587004. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Waves of the Sea and Pearls of Knowledge.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 22, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/it-is-therefore-urgent-that-be-3J_Qs8H9S4iOvyWP_LsYLQ#0. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 