Whoever thirsts for knowledge, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, lives in the schools even while sitting at home, taking a word from every book and a lesson from every scholar met along the way, and the time for such learning runs from the beginning of life to its end. Bahá’u’lláh calls knowledge wings for a person’s life and a ladder for ascent, and lays its acquisition on everyone, young and old, men and women alike. Yet He also asks a hard question at the outset of every study: where does it lead, and whom does it profit? Learning that begins and ends in words is set aside; learning that lifts the condition of people is the very pride of a nation. The rational soul, patiently investigating, draws hidden realities out of the invisible into the light. Confucius pairs study with thought and counts knowing what one does not know as knowledge too [1]. From here the road runs toward the four methods by which knowledge is gained, the high station of the arts and sciences, and the promise of universal education.
One who thirsts for knowledge - his education is not limited by boundaries. Though he may be at home, his true nest and dwelling is in reality in the schools, for day and night he strives to obtain a word from every book and memorize a phrase from every treatise, and studies it deeply, and from every scholar he encounters, he seeks explanation of those questions. It is certain that ultimately he will become a peerless scholar and an unequaled learned one.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Abbas Nimatullah Najafabadi -- AB05096)
02
I hope that you will be successful in this, that your thought will be that these souls become knowing, that all may acquire sciences and arts, and that the time for acquiring knowledge is from life's beginning to its end.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Oct-26 in Paris -- ABU0439)
03
Let the furniture of your mind consist of the most precious ideals of this or any other age; let the walls of the galleries of your hearts be adorned with the costliest master-thoughts of the poets and philosophers; illumine the halls of your souls with the electrical concepts of the wise and the sage; decorate the tables of your spirits with the flowers of the imaginations of the scientists and inventors; embellish the museums of your brains with the noble meditations and antique reflections of ancient thinkers; adorn the long vistas of your intellects with the attributes of Knighthood and courage of the heroes of bygone centuries; beautify the gardens of your understanding with the sweet flowers of every clime and bedeck the dome of the palace of your intelligences with the glistening stars of spirituality.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1915-Apr-23 -- ABU1397)
04
Knowledge is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words.
… In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Ibn-i-Dhi'b (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf), 1308 ? [1891], to Muhammad Taqi Isfahani (son of the Wolf) -- BH00005)
05
O people of Baha! The source of crafts, sciences and arts is the power of reflection. Make ye every effort that out of this ideal mine there may gleam forth such pearls of wisdom and utterance as will promote the well-being and harmony of all the kindreds of the earth.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kalimat-i-Firdawsiyyih (Words of Paradise), 1306-11-26 [1889-Jul-24], to Haji Mirza Haydar Ali Isfahani -- BH00111)
06
The happiness and pride of a nation consist in this, that it should shine out like the sun in the high heaven of knowledge. "Shall they who have knowledge and they who have it not, be treated alike?" And the honor and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world's multitudes should become a source of social good. Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to his fellow men?
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Madaniyyih (The Secret of Divine Civilization), 1875, to The People of Iran -- AB00004)
07
At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of it. Of all the arts and sciences, set the children to studying those which will result in advantage to man, will ensure his progress and elevate his rank.
… The Great Being saith: The learned of the day must direct the people to acquire those branches of knowledge which are of use, that both the learned themselves and the generality of mankind may derive benefits therefrom. Such academic pursuits as begin and end in words alone have never been and will never be of any worth.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Maqsud, 1299-02-29 [1882-Jan-20], to Mirza Maqsud -- BH00140)
08
It is permissible to study sciences and arts, but such sciences as are useful and would redound to the progress and advancement of the people.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Bisharat (Glad-Tidings; =Lawh-i-Nida), 1308-06 ca. [1891-Jan] -- BH00568)
09
Verily I say, whatsoever leadeth to the decline of ignorance and the increase of knowledge hath been, and will ever remain, approved in the sight of the Lord of creation.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Manikchi Sahib, 1296-08 [1879-Jul], to Manikchi-Sahib -- BH00698)
10
Knowledge is one of the wondrous gifts of God. It is incumbent upon everyone to acquire it.
There are certain pillars which have been established as the unshakeable supports of the Faith of God. The mightiest of these is learning and the use of the mind, the expansion of consciousness, and insight into the realities of the universe and the hidden mysteries of Almighty God.
To promote knowledge is thus an inescapable duty imposed on every one of the friends of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Sep-26+, to Spiritual Assembly of Ishqabad -- AB01616)
12
O friends! Strive to acquire knowledge and wisdom, and exert mighty efforts to gain both outer and inner perfections.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Jul-05, to Baha'is of Sanandaj -- AB01427)
13
Strive diligently to acquire both outward and inward perfections, for the fruit of the human tree has ever been outer and inner perfections. … Therefore you must needs adorn, according to your capacity and means, the tree of your being with the fruits of knowledge and wisdom, of meanings and utterance.
I hope that thou wilt progress more and more; that thou wilt increase thy knowledge and science; and that thou wilt ever strive for gentleness and love.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1916 or <, to Philip G Sprague -- AB01567)
15
Therefore, the friends of God, young and old, men and women, must strive to the extent possible to acquire sciences and knowledge, increase their understanding of the mysteries of the Holy Books, and gain proficiency in presenting divine proofs and evidences.
… Now too, I earnestly implore the friends of God to strive as much as possible - the more they strive to expand the scope of education, the better and sweeter it will become - so that the friends of God, whether young or old, male or female, may each strive according to their capacity to acquire sciences, knowledge and current arts, both spiritual and material. In their gatherings, let all discuss scientific matters and become informed of the sciences and knowledge of the age.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-May-21, to Spiritual Assembly of Tihran et al -- AB00787)
16
All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy -- that is, as much as may be deemed necessary. All cannot be scientists and philosophers, but each should be educated according to his needs and deserts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Hotel Schenley on 1912-May-07 -- ABU0051)
17
It is incumbent upon every soul to acquire learning and to learn the rudiments of essential knowledge at least to the degree of being able to read and write.
… Therefore strive that the newcomers and young ones of this wondrous Day may become aware of significant truths, may learn new disciplines, may at all times become more aware, more cognizant, more knowledgeable, may benefit from the beneficial sciences and useful arts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Hasan Muallim -- AB03935)
18
As much as thou art able, encourage all to acquire useful knowledge that they may benefit therefrom and become sources of illumination in the world of humanity, that those walking in the darkness of ignorance may become enlightened and those who are unlettered in this age may attain at least the first degree of understanding.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun ca., to Aflatun Hakim -- AB08508)
19
It is clear that learning is the greatest bestowal of God; that knowledge and the acquirement thereof is a blessing from Heaven. Thus is it incumbent upon the friends of God to exert such an effort and strive with such eagerness to promote divine knowledge, culture and the sciences, that erelong those who are schoolchildren today will become the most erudite of all the fraternity of the wise.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Members of Tarbiyat School -- AB03799)
20
The heartfelt desire of the kind 'Abdu'l-Baha is that each of the Baha'i youth become renowned throughout all regions in knowledge and wisdom, and they will certainly exert their utmost effort, endeavor and zeal in acquiring sciences and arts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr ca., to Husayn Khan (Isfahan) et al -- AB06122)
21
O seekers after the attainment of perfection! According to what Muhammad 'Ali Khan has written, you are engaged with the utmost eagerness in the pursuit of perfection. If this be so, you deserve a thousand praises. You must ever concentrate your thoughts on the acquisition of knowledge, that unending confirmations may successively reach you from the Kingdom of God, and that through His grace you may exert mighty efforts and strenuous endeavors for the progress of Iran and the advancement of the Iranian people, and that you may become near ones at the Divine Threshold and draw nigh unto the court of the All-Merciful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Mavaddat, Fadlullah son of Abdur-Rahim et al -- AB08788)
22
Convey my greetings and love to the respected brothers Aqa Mirza 'Inayatu'llah and Aqa Mirza Diya'u'llah. I hope that in a short time they will make complete progress and acquire sciences and arts. Convey my most glorious and most beauteous greetings to your respected father, the handmaiden of God your mother, and your younger brother.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Sep-28, to Maani, Badiullah son of Bulbul -- AB02683)
23
You had asked about my wish - my purpose is that you study the sciences and knowledge, acquire the art of poetry and composition, complete your studies in school, raise the call to the Kingdom, and engage in spreading the lights of truth.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Russell, Sigurd et al -- AB04244)
24
Be ye in that land vanguards of the perfections of humankind; carry forward the various branches of knowledge, be active and progressive in the field of inventions and the arts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB00551)
25
First; Whole-hearted service to the Cause of education, the unfolding of the mysteries of nature, the extension of the boundaries of Pure Science, the elimination of the causes of ignorance and social evils, the standardization of a universal system of instruction, and the diffusion of the lights of knowledge and reality.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Feb-15 -- ABU1650)
26
Wherefore, O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit, and to grasp the secrets of the Day of God. … Lead those who thirst to the fountain of life; grant ye true health to the ailing. Be ye apprentices of God; be ye physicians directed by God and heal ye the sick among humankind. Bring those who have been excluded into the circle of intimate friends. Make the despairing to be filled with hope. Waken them that slumber; make the heedless mindful.
Such are the fruits of this earthly life. Such is the station of resplendent glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Oct-24, to Aqa Siyyid Rida et al -- AB01840)
27
First of all, be ready to sacrifice your lives for one another, to prefer the general well-being to your personal well-being. Create relationships that nothing can shake; form an assembly that nothing can break up; have a mind that never ceases acquiring riches that nothing can destroy.
The important factor in human improvement is the mind. In the world of the mind there must needs be development and improvement. There must be reformation in the kingdom of the human spirit; otherwise, no result will be attained from betterment of the mere physical structure.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at New Thought Forum on 1912-Aug-25 -- ABU0079)
29
Ponder and reflect: all sciences, arts, crafts, inventions and discoveries, have been once the secrets of nature and in conformity with the laws thereof must remain hidden; yet man through his discovering power interfereth with the laws of nature and transfereth these hidden secrets from the invisible to the visible plane.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lawh-i-Dr Forel (Tablet to Dr Forel), 1921-Sep-21, to Auguste Forel -- AB00020)
30
All that you observe of crafts, wonders, effects and discoveries was once in the realm of the unseen and was a hidden matter. The human spirit discovered that hidden secret and brought it from the realm of the unseen to the world of being.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Nov, to Paul Kingston Dealy -- AB00092)
31
All sciences, arts, inventions, crafts, and discoveries of realities proceed from this singular power.
Moreover, all the existing sciences and crafts, all the great undertakings and myriad discoveries of man, were at one time hidden and concealed mysteries, and it is that all-encompassing human power that has discovered them and brought them forth from the invisible into the visible realm.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 48, The Difference between Man and Animal, 1904-Oct ca. -- AB00057)
32
This spirit is the discovering power that encompasses all things. All the wondrous signs, all the crafts and discoveries, all the mighty undertakings and momentous historical events of which you are aware have been discovered by this spirit and brought forth from the invisible realm into the visible plane through its spiritual power. Thus it abides upon the earth and yet makes discoveries in the heavens, and deduces that which is unknown from known and visible realities.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 36, The Five Kinds of Spirit, 1904 ca. -- AB00266)
33
Through the power of the rational soul man can discover the realities of things, comprehend their properties and penetrate the mysteries of existence. All the sciences, branches of learning, arts, inventions, institutions, undertakings and discoveries have resulted from the comprehension of the rational soul. These were once impenetrable secrets, hidden mysteries and unknown realities, and the rational soul gradually discovered them and brought them out of the invisible plane into the realm of the visible. This is the greatest power of comprehension in the world of nature, and the uttermost limit of its flight is to comprehend the realities, signs and properties of contingent things.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 58, The Extent and Limitation of Human Perception, 1904 ca. -- AB00747)
34
For instance, all the existing crafts, inventions, sciences, and branches of learning have been discovered by the human reality. At one time they were all hidden and concealed mysteries, but the reality of man gradually discovered them and brought them forth from the invisible world into the visible realm.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 71, Spiritual Discoveries, 1904-Oct ca. -- AB00482)
35
God has conferred upon and added to man a distinctive power -- the faculty of intellectual investigation into the secrets of creation, the acquisition of higher knowledge -- the greatest virtue of which is scientific enlightenment.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Columbia University on 1912-Apr-19 -- ABU0145)
36
All the sciences, arts and discoveries were mysteries of nature, and according to natural law these mysteries should remain latent, hidden; but man has proceeded to break this law, free himself from this rule and bring them forth into the realm of the visible.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at the Mills home on 1912-Apr-13 -- ABU0405)
37
All the existing arts and sciences were once hidden secrets of nature. By his command and control of nature man took them out of the plane of the invisible and revealed them in the plane of visibility, whereas according to the exigencies of nature these secrets should have remained latent and concealed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Plaza Hotel on 1912-May-02 -- ABU0122)
38
The intelligence of man, his reasoning powers, his knowledge, his scientific achievements, all these being manifestations of the spirit, partake of the inevitable law of spiritual progress and are, therefore, of necessity, immortal.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Dreyfus home in Paris, 1911-Nov-10 -- ABU0054)
39
It may be found that his honor Fazel Mazandarani gave this Tablet to a Persian expert to translate into English. In His Tablets He has encouraged and rather urged (the people) to study philosophy. Therefore, in the region of Baha'Ullah philosophy is highly esteemed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Dec-02, to Alwyn Baker -- AB01223)
40
The Sun of Truth is the Word of God, upon which dependeth the education of those who are endowed with the power of understanding and of utterance. … Its appearance in every mirror is conditioned by the colour of that mirror. For instance, when its light is cast upon the mirrors of the hearts of the wise, it bringeth forth wisdom. In like manner, when it manifesteth itself in the mirrors of the hearts of craftsmen, it unfoldeth new and unique arts, and when reflected in the hearts of those that apprehend the truth, it revealeth wondrous tokens of true knowledge and discloseth the verities of God’s utterance.
When the sun of His name, the Creator, dawneth from the horizon of His mouth, through it are made manifest the arts throughout all ages - this is an indubitable truth.
It is incumbent upon thee to acquire the various branches of knowledge, and to turn thy face toward the beauty of the Manifest Beauty, that thou mayest be a sign of saving guidance amongst the peoples of the world, and a focal center of understanding in this sphere from which the wise and their wisdom are shut out, except for those who set foot in the Kingdom of lights and become informed of the veiled and hidden mystery, the well-guarded secret.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Dec-14, to Abdu'l-Hamid Khan -- AB03423)
43
Ye must therefore put forth a mighty effort, striving by night and day and resting not for a moment, to acquire an abundant share of all the sciences and arts, that the Divine Image, which shineth out from the Sun of Truth, may illumine the mirror of the hearts of men.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Jan-22, to Taid School of Hamadan -- AB06380)
44
Therefore you must not rest or be still day or night, engage in acquiring divine knowledge, and in the school of truth learn lessons from the teacher of love so that you may become the cause of consolation to these yearning ones.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Sadrus-Sudurzadih, Siyyid Ali et al -- AB03926)
45
We hope through the Divine Bestowals the moral life of the people of Persia may become cleansed from loathsome vices and degrading habits; that they may become the patterns of the spiritual life, that they may embody the ideals of the Merciful One; that their hearts may become the clean caskets for the pure thoughts of celestial paradise; that they may lay the foundation of divine civilization; become conducive to the promotion of love and good-fellowship; that they may cooperate with all the nations in the establishment of universal peace; that they may master the findings of modern sciences and arts, that they may study the material knowledges and teach the supernal knowledges of the Kingdom of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1914-Apr-28 -- ABU1121)
46
Become fountains of knowledge and learning, and the wise ones of the world of grace and insight.
Thou shouldst not be remiss in acquiring that which will conduce to progress and advancement.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Aqa Mirza Shuaullah son of Ghusn-i-Akbar -- BH10084)
48
My hope for you is that as you travel through the universe of existence you will ever become acquainted with new and wonderful significances; that your knowledge will ever be increased - knowledge without limitation; then you will understand the realities existing in all kingdoms.
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
49
Mysteries that were hidden he discovers; and secrets that were concealed he brings into the light. By Science and by Art he brings hidden powers into the region of the visible world. Man perceives the hidden law in created things and co-operates with it.
...thou shouldst investigate all things in a methodical and scientific way, and by clear proofs, perspicuous signs and incontrovertible evidences, seek to discover the undisclosed verities and the hidden mysteries which are concealed in the inmost heart of the realities of the universe.
Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.
51
To promote learning, to propagate education and all the branches of useful knowledge, to encourage the spread of information as to the secrets of creation, to decipher the codes that are hidden away in the inmost core of all things, to study sciences that are beneficial and learn to unravel the secrets of the earth and to conquer the very summits of the mysteries of the universe - not only are these among the binding and inescapable duties of humankind, but in these lie the primary means whereby man can continually go forward and prosper. Expressly stated in the Divine Texts is this, that the greatest encouragement must be given to such pursuits.