Jamál, 03 Núr (Light), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
Oh, you of the Western nations, be kind to those who come from the Eastern world to sojourn among you. Forget your conventionality when you speak with them; they are not accustomed to it. To Eastern peoples this demeanor seems cold, unfriendly. Rather let your manner be sympathetic. Let it be seen that you are filled with universal love. When you meet a Persian or any other stranger, speak to him as to a friend; if he seems to be lonely try to help him, give him of your willing service; if he be sad console him, if poor succor him, if oppressed rescue him, if in misery comfort him. In so doing you will manifest that not in words only, but in deed and in truth, you think of all men as your brothers.
What profit is there in agreeing that universal friendship is good, and talking of the solidarity of the human race as a grand ideal? Unless these thoughts are translated into the world of action, they are useless.
The wrong in the world continues to exist just because people talk only of their ideals, and do not strive to put them into practice. If actions took the place of words, the world’s misery would very soon be changed into comfort.
A man who does great good, and talks not of it, is on the way to perfection.
The man who has accomplished a small good and magnifies it in his speech is worth very little. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ [1]
Question for Consideration
How can one apply the general call for Bahá’í s to “render service to the world of humanity” while focusing on the aim of an ongoing series of global plans for “the release of the society-building power of the Faith in ever-greater measures” to social endeavors in eldercare? [2]
Perplexity Computer Response
Executive Summary
The Bahá’í call to “render service to the world of humanity” and the ongoing series of global plans focused on “the release of the society-building power of the Faith in ever-greater measures” converge powerfully in the domain of eldercare. Far from being a peripheral social concern, work with aging populations sits at the heart of what the Bahá’í teachings envision for a just, flourishing society: one that integrates every soul as both contributor and recipient, where the material and spiritual dimensions of life achieve dynamic coherence. This report maps that convergence — exploring Bahá’í principles relevant to aging, the framework for social action within the global plans, and concrete pathways for applying both to eldercare endeavors at every level of complexity. [3] [4] [5] [6]
Footnotes
[1] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. PARIS TALKS. Bahá’i Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/033644530
[2] Perplexity Computer. “Rendering Service to Humanity Through Bahá’í-Oriented Eldercare: Executive Summary.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 6, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/a/7136fb50-4676-4fcd-8695-c2ee4ec4d94f
[3] O’Connor, Patricia. “The Nine Year Plan: What Do Baha’is Want for the World?” BahaiTeachings.org. https://bahaiteachings.org/nine-year-plan-what-do-bahais-want-world/
[4] Bahá’í Quotes. “Aging.” https://bahaiquotes.com/subject/aging
[5] Randolph, Terry (Editor). “The Nine Year Plan 2022-2031.” ObeisanceBaba. https://www.obeisancebaha.org/the-nine-year-plan-2022-2031/
[6] International Environment Forum Staff. “Community Social Action.” International Environment Forum. https://iefworld.org/cmpcommunityaction
Be the Voice of…
Therefore, all souls should consider it incumbent upon them to investigate reality. Reality is one; and when found, it will unify all mankind. Reality is the love of God. Reality is the knowledge of God. Reality is justice. Reality is the oneness or solidarity of mankind. Reality is international peace. Reality is the knowledge of verities. Reality unifies humanity. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá The Promulgation of Universal Peace | Bahá’í Reference Library.
Frameworks for Understanding the World 