‘Idál, 06 Núr (Light), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
As Bahá’í-inspired agencies as well as agencies directly under the authority of Bahá’í institutions began to appear in one country after another, the impact of their efforts within the community and the wider society became increasingly evident, manifesting a dynamic coherence between the material and spiritual dimensions of life. Advances occurred not only in action, but also at the level of thought. The friends came to understand a set of fundamental concepts: The world is not divided into categories of developed and underdeveloped—all are in need of transformation and an environment that provides the spiritual, social, and material conditions necessary to their security and flourishing. Development is not a process carried out by one people on behalf of another; rather, people themselves, wherever they reside, are the protagonists of their own development. Access to knowledge and participation in its generation, application, and diffusion is at the heart of the endeavour. Efforts start small and grow in complexity as experience accumulates. Programmes whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in one region can be systematically introduced into others. As these principles and concepts are applied within a particular setting, the friends become increasingly adept at analysing their social conditions, drawing insights from the Writings and from various relevant fields of knowledge, and initiating activities that are fully integrated with the work of community building. — Universal House of Justice [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
Elders as “Treasuries of Wise Counsel”
The Universal House of Justice describes older adults as elders who “offer deepening, wise counsel, and distinctive example,” [3] a framing that inverts the typical narrative of aging as loss and dependency. The Brussels Office of the Bahá’í International Community reinforced this in a 2023 statement to the European Commission, arguing that “the desire to serve and contribute meaningfully to society does not fade with age,” and that communities must cultivate cultures in which “every age group enriches the other, creating a harmonious pattern of shared experiences and mutual support”. The statement explicitly reconceptualizes elderly people not as members of society to be cared for, but as “vital contributors to community life”. [4]
Footnotes
[1] Universal House of Justice. “28 November 2023 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/729554670
[2] Perplexity Computer. “The Theological Grounding: Why Eldercare Is an Expression of Core Bahá’í Principles.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 7, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/a/7136fb50-4676-4fcd-8695-c2ee4ec4d94f
[3] Universal House of Justice. “19 March 2025 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/203576507
[4] Bahá’í International Community Brussels Staff. “Reimagining the elderly’s role in society.” Bahá’í World News Service, December 6, 2023. https://news.bahai.org/story/1704/
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 