The dignity of learning: knowledge that benefits the world

high station of learning

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Editorial introduction

Knowledge, Bahá’u’lláh says, is wings to a human life and a ladder for its ascent, a treasure and a source of joy, and the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world is great indeed. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá goes further and calls knowledge love: the mirror in which all things are reflected, the inheritance by which one person receives what all humanity has discovered. There is a condition, though. The sciences worth acquiring are those that profit the peoples of the earth, not those that begin and end in words, and the learned must be lit candles, joining intellectual power to good character, humility and the fear of God, or their height and girth are no better than dead wood. Confucius, who warned against study without thought and defined knowledge as knowing what one does and does not know, keeps good company with these counsels ^[1]. The astronomer who danced on his roof at finding a planet’s true place shows the pleasure that waits in understanding; the teacher of children and the student urged to excel show its duties. The road from here leads to the call to acquire knowledge itself, to the sciences and arts that build civilization, to the education of children, and to the grim history of books destroyed by those who feared them.

Selected passages

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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. Great indeed is the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world.
… 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. Happy the man that cleaveth unto it, and woe betide the heedless.

(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)

Knowledge is love. Study, listen to exhortations, think, try to understand the wisdom and greatness of God. The soil must be fertilized before the seed can be sown.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB11557)

Knowledge is the cause of divine bounty's manifestation. Knowledge is the discoverer of mysteries. Knowledge is like a mirror in which the images of all things are reflected. Knowledge gives to each person the learning of all humanity, and makes each individual human being equivalent to all humanity, because knowledge teaches one whatever all humanity has discovered - that is, whatever is known by all humanity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Oct-26 in Paris -- ABU0439)

Science may be likened to a mirror wherein the images of the mysteries of outer phenomena are reflected. It brings forth and exhibits to us in the arena of knowledge all the product of the past. It links together past and present. The philosophical conclusions of bygone centuries, the teachings of the Prophets and wisdom of former sages are crystallized and reproduced in the scientific advancement of today.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Columbia University on 1912-Apr-19 -- ABU0145)

Through mind and knowledge, humans are distinguished from animals. Through knowledge, humans discover the mysteries of creation. Through knowledge, humans uncover the secrets of future centuries. Through knowledge, humans become informed of the mysteries of past ages. Through knowledge, humans discover the hidden treasures of the earth. Through knowledge, humans become discoverers of the movements of the great celestial bodies. Knowledge is the cause of humanity's eternal glory. Knowledge unveils the mysteries of the heavenly books. Knowledge reveals the secrets of reality. Knowledge serves the world of reality. Knowledge liberates past religions from traditions. Knowledge discovers the truth of divine religions.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Clark University on 1912-May-23 -- ABU0121)

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)

Knowledge is identical to guidance and ignorance is the essence of error.
Happy are those who spend their days in the pursuit of knowledge, in the discovery of the secrets of the universe, and in the meticulous investigation of truth! And woe to those who content themselves with ignorance, who delight in thoughtless imitation, who have fallen into the abyss of ignorance and unawareness, and who have thus wasted their lives!

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 34, Peter and the Papacy, 1905-Jan -- AB00256)

O thou who strivest to diffuse the divine fragrances! The promotion of learning, the dissemination of divine teachings, the spread of beneficial sciences, the encouragement to explore the mysteries of creation, the unveiling of hidden symbols deposited in cosmic realities, the acquisition of useful knowledge, the understanding of concealed earthly truths, and the attainment of the highest degrees of celestial mysteries are among the essential universal relationships of the human world. Indeed, these are among the greatest means of success and prosperity, and in the divine religion they are supremely encouraged and explicitly enjoined, being recorded and inscribed in all the holy Tablets. No deed is more acceptable and praiseworthy than this. "Are those who know equal to those who know not?"
The news of organizing a special school for the young ones of Mahabbatu'llah has brought joy and delight. We hope, through the hidden favors of the Divine Unity, that the children of God's loved ones will be educated in this school in all aspects. That is to say, they should receive divine education, first in heavenly beliefs, faith and certitude, and in general proofs and conclusive evidences of the truth of God's Cause. This should be taught with utmost facility. For instance, each day the teacher should present one divine topic for the children to discuss among themselves. The children themselves will become extremely enthusiastic, and in a short time even a young child will be able to cite verses and traditions as proof. Secondly, they should be taught manners, character, proper conduct, goodly deeds and actions, reading and writing, algebra, arithmetic, geometry, languages, history, geography, and other beneficial sciences.
We are indeed delighted that you have been confirmed in this. Surely you must exert your utmost effort, as this matter is service to the Cause. Through the pure intention of God's loved ones, means should be provided so that in a short time the children of the friends may be educated and become intelligent, learned youth, attracted and enkindled, arising with eloquent speech, fluent expression, and complete knowledge to teach the Cause of God. Sending the children of the friends to schools of various nations for education causes inertia and languor.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mihdi Gulpaygani -- AB01331)

The noblest, most excellent, most eminent and greatest of all things in the world is knowledge - knowledge that giveth salvation, not destruction. This knowledge is the most precious of all things in the world and the most glorious thereof.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304 ? [1886-1887], to Baha'is of the Caucasus -- BH00558)

In the Most Holy Book We have commanded all people to acquire sciences, crafts and such other things as will benefit mankind. By sciences is meant beneficial sciences, not those which begin and end in mere words.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-06-19 [1875-Jul-23], to Baqir son of Muhammad Rida Tabib -- BH06211)

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. Great indeed is the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world. Unto this beareth witness the Mother Book on the day of His return. Happy are those possessed of a hearing ear. 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, Tajalliyat (Effulgences), 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Ustad Ali Akbar Banna Yazdi -- BH00668)

A person without knowledge and crafts is not beloved - like trees without fruit have they been and ever shall be.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH09996)

O people of Baha! Man's adornment consisteth not in the things of this world, but rather in the knowledge of God - exalted be His glory - and in sciences, crafts and proper conduct.

(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Baytu'l-'Adl -- BH01525)

The spiritually learned must be characterized by both inward and outward perfections; they must possess a good character, an enlightened nature, a pure intent, as well as intellectual power, brilliance and discernment, intuition, discretion and foresight, temperance, reverence, and a heartfelt fear of God. For an unlit candle, however great in diameter and tall, is no better than a barren palm tree or a pile of dead wood.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Madaniyyih (The Secret of Divine Civilization), 1875, to The People of Iran -- AB00004)

If outward sciences are combined with good intentions and praiseworthy character, they become light upon light, illumining the world of the soul, making human life and form a mirror of the divine image and likeness, reflecting the realms above.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jun-05 in Paris -- ABU1249)

Although to acquire the sciences and arts is the greatest glory of mankind, this is so only on condition that manis river flow into the mighty sea, and draw from Godis ancient source His inspiration. When this cometh to pass, then every teacher is as a shoreless ocean, every pupil a prodigal fountain of knowledge. If, then, the pursuit of knowledge lead to the beauty of Him Who is the Object of all Knowledge, how excellent that goal; but if not, a mere drop will perhaps shut a man off from flooding grace, for with learning cometh arrogance and pride, and it bringeth on error and indifference to God.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Dec-14, to Abdu'l-Hamid Khan -- AB03423)

How many shepherds in the days of the Dawning-Places of Revelation and the Daysprings of Inspiration attained to the knowledge and recognition of God, exalted be His glory, while how many divines and doctors remained deprived.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304 ? [1886-1887], to Baha'is of Saysan -- BH04574)

How many a learned one turned away from the Cause, and how many a learned one spent what he possessed in My path and bore hardships in My love, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299 ? [1881-1882], to Baqir -- BH04816)

Science and learning are good, but they are the branches, not the root.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ida Finch and Fanny and Alma Knobloch, spoken on 1908-Nov-08 -- ABU1319)

Science is an effulgence of the Sun of Reality, the power of investigating and discovering the verities of the universe, the means by which man finds a pathway to God. All the powers and attributes of man are human and hereditary in origin -- outcomes of nature's processes -- except the intellect, which is supernatural.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Bethel Literary Society on 1912-Apr-23 -- ABU0157)

The power of the intellect is one of God's greatest gifts to men, it is the power that makes him a higher creature than the animal. For whereas, century by century and age by age man's intelligence grows and becomes keener, that of the animal remains the same.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-06 in Paris -- ABU0555)

Man should weigh all questions with the power of the intellect.
History, which is a great science, should be written by academies, not by individuals, liable to be influenced by emotions.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1915 in Abu Sinan -- ABU0869)

Wisdom is the lord of the world and the master of nations. It is the first teacher in the school of existence. It shows the way and brings seekers to their quest and pursuers to their goal. It is the protector, the helper and the assistant.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889] -- BH11402)

The dominion of kings has an ending; the king himself may be dethroned; but the sovereignty of science is everlasting and without end. Consider the philosophers of former times. Their rule and dominion is still manifest in the world.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address at Stanford University on 1912-Oct-08 -- ABU0008)

O king of the country of knowledge!
The world-conquering kings strive for years with utmost vigor and devotion crying out and making sacrifices to conquer this country of dust, and rule this dark heap and at the end repose underneath it.
… Through the mercy of God ye became the king of the country of knowledge and the sovereign of the world of understanding.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Mulla Khusraw -- AB07378)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

The rise and fall of nations is the direct result of knowledge or ignorance, for progress in the world of humanity depends on knowledge and the decline of the human race is caused by ignorance. Humanity will acquire divine characteristics as long as it increases in knowledge; it will be granted lordly attributes as long as it continues to learn.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Hasan Muallim -- AB03935)

This school is of utmost importance. In all existence there is nothing greater than wisdom. It is knowledge and learning that cause the advancement of nations. It is knowledge and learning that guide humanity and bring illumination. It is knowledge and learning that bring prosperity and development. It is knowledge and learning that transform a wasteland into a rose garden. It is knowledge and learning that make a wilderness into a paradise. It is knowledge and learning that exalt abased nations. Therefore, in all existence, the most important of matters is knowledge and learning.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Jan. 1909 -- ABU0949)

If proper effort is exerted as it should be, that school will undoubtedly, through divine assistance and favor, progress to such a degree that it will surpass all other schools, and in the future will reach such a level that it becomes the foremost school in the world.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Jun-02, to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB00225)

Early in life, this illustrious man attended institutions of higher learning and labored diligently, by day and night, until he became thoroughly conversant with the learning of the day, with secular studies, philosophy, and religious jurisprudence.
… He reflected day and night on the most abstruse of spiritual questions, and gazed in wonderment at the mighty signs of God as written in the Book of Life. He became thoroughly versed even in such material sciences as mathematics, geometry, and geography; in brief, he was well grounded in many fields, thoroughly conversant with the thought of ancient and modern times.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tadhkiratu'l-Vafa (Memorials of the Faithful), 1916-Mar-25 -- AB00002)

How erudite and learned he was! He had marvel knowledge of the contents of books. He was well informed the tenets of every religion and had mastered the intricate laws and complicated customs of every nation - ancient and modern. He knew in detail the doctrines of every sect or party, and was a standard-bearer of the oneness of the world of humanity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jan-22 in Haifa -- ABU1025)

How learned was he! How wise was he! How well-informed was he! His understanding was marvelous and his wisdom beyond comparison. He was acquainted with the master-thoughts of the authors of every nation, he was equipped with the Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures of all the religions. He knew the contents of Zand Avesta and the Zoroastrian literature. He had a most comprehensive knowledge of the Bible and the Gospel. He was apprised of their inner meanings. He had mastered the opinions and theories of the philosophers of the past, and the Ideals of the spiritual scholars were known to him.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Feb-13 -- ABU0444)

He was a learned and wise man. He had studied deeply the different branches of Knowledge. He was a theologian, a philosopher, a Sufi and a Baha'i. The eloquence and fluency of his tongue was matchless and when he began to speak he moved the hearts of men with the power of the Spirit.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1915-May-27 -- ABU0074)

According to oriental history there have come in the past two Teachers in philosophy. The first one is Aristotle who was well-versed in all the sciences and accomplishments of his time. The second teacher was Farabi who announced that he is the second teacher. The King ordered the organization of an Academy of learned men and Farabi was examined by the master of every branch of Knowledge. Not only he demonstrated that he knows as much as they know, but he established his superiority over them. Even he was examined in musical art of his time and displayed his marvellous versatility and many sidedness.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a vistor, spoken at Grand Hotel on 1913-Apr-20 -- ABU1498)

An engineer spans a large river with a suspension or cantilever bridge, or an architect makes the design of an edifice. Each finds true enjoyment in his work.
It is related that Baseer Tousy was well versed in the science of astronomy. Many nights he walked on the roof of his house watching the stars. Whenever he happened to discover the true position of a planet or to locate the place of a constellation he became so enraptured with the joy of a new idea that he would get up and dance and sing, saying: 'Where are the kings?

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU0472)

Speaking of the philosophers, He said: What hath the philosophy of the illuminationists accomplished in all this time? It could not produce even a match or a needle. It is all talk. But observe how natural philosophy hath yielded the telegraph, the steam engine, electricity and so forth. For instance, had Murtada applied in mathematics the same careful study he devoted to jurisprudence, what discoveries he would have made!

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1916-Jul-13 in Haifa -- ABU0675)

Knowledge of divine books has been and will be beloved in God's sight, for it is the very Word of Truth revealed aforetime through the tongues of the Messengers.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-06-19 [1875-Jul-23], to Mulla Husayn brother of Ridar-Ruh -- BH01733)

O Lord, O Lord! They study Thy proof and learn Thy evidences and traces, and derive conclusive arguments from the manifest verses and transmitted traditions, that they may guide Thy servants to the straight course and the right path, that Thy manifest religion may be exalted among the worlds and Thy traces may be spread between the East and West.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Aqa Siyyid Hasan et al -- AB01547)

Regarding your intention to compose a treatise proving the Cause of God - the divine friends must devote their thoughts and mention day and night to divine proofs and evidences, engage in scholarly discussions, and employ rational and traditional arguments, so that each one may be able to compose treatises and become the manifestation of "We have given him knowledge from Our presence."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Mar-29, to Muhammad Tahir Malmiri -- AB03963)

Blessed is the scholar who arose to serve My Cause, made known unto men My path and guided them to the ocean of My mercy and the heaven of My loving-kindness.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299 ? [1881-1882], to Nabil Qabl-i-Qaf Lam -- BH01922)

This exalted rank and most high station has been and continues to be reserved for the learned ones - those scholars who have turned to the supreme horizon and attained the highest summit, which is the station of recognition of God, exalted be His glory. They are as lights for the darkness of the earth and as stars for the heavens of understanding.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1301 ? [1883-1884], to Haji Mulla Kazim -- BH03600)

Blessed is that teacher who shall arise to instruct the children, and to guide the people into the pathways of God, the Bestower, the Well-Beloved...

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Mulla Ali Bajistani et al -- BH02960)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

Blessed is the teacher who fulfilled the divine covenant and engaged in the education of children. The reward which was revealed in the Most Holy Book concerning him has been recorded by the Supreme Pen. Blessed is he, blessed is he!

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302-06-01 [1885-Mar-18], to Shaykh Kazim Samandar et al -- BH00419)

Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abha Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education, will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Baba Nayrizi -- AB07264)

It is my hope that thou wilt become a child of the Kingdom, wilt study arts, sciences and divine knowledge, mayest turn into a fruitful and flourishing tree in the Vineyard of God and that, through the sprinkling of the clouds of His loving providence, thou mayest appear in the utmost freshness and tender beauty.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca. -- AB08929)

And among the greatest of these attributes of perfection are wisdom and knowledge. 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)

May your attainment in sciences and arts become more universal day by day! Perchance, God willing, you may become perfect and accomplished from every standpoint and be the means of the enlightenment of Iran.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some students, spoken on 1914-Oct-12 -- ABU0802)

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)

In science and acquisition of knowledge, the friends of God must excel over all people and rank first. If they study medicine, they must become teachers, so that others are taught the same science. They must endeavor to pass this learning to many others, because becoming a physician is not sufficient.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends spoken in Dec. 1907 -- ABU0797)

Learn the arts, study the sciences, acquire the practical methods of knowledges, trades and professions, learn the most useful crafts of the age;- thus you may be honored amongst men and respected by all the people.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some young Baha'is, spoken on 1915-May-02 -- ABU0510)

You should think much of your lessons and your writing, which will fit you to be useful men.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to students at the 'Akka boys school in Dec. 1902 -- ABU1483)

A wise young man ever thinks of and studies those means which are conducive to his progress - mental, intellectual and spiritual. He lets all amusements and recreations go and applies himself to the acquirement of knowledge - thus he may become a useful member of the body politic.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a young believer, spoken on 1914-Mar-12 -- ABU2391)

Regarding what was mentioned about engagement in sciences and arts, after it was presented in His presence, He said: "This matter has been mentioned in most of the Tablets and all are commanded to it. The adornment of man is through perfection.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-02-12 [1888-Oct-18], to Ahmad Yazdi, son in law of Abdu'l-Baha -- BH01731)

God willing, may he hold fast to the counsels of the Wronged One and strive diligently in the acquisition of sciences and arts, for knowledge and wisdom are two shining ornaments for the head and brow.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1309 ? [1891-1892], to Mirza Muhammad Rida Qannad Shirazi -- BH02602)

You are, indeed, serving the world of humanity and expending your life for mankind. Above all, I wish for you the blessings of the Kingdom and desire that you will be a cause of the spread of sciences and arts.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the president of Clark university, spoken on 1912-May-23 -- ABU2468)

The duty of educated men, especially university presidents of the nation, is this: To teach in the universities and schools ideas concerning universal peace, so that the student may be so molded that in after years he may help carry to fruition the most useful and human issue of mankind.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3349)

Tell me of our battle, in which we resist with the hosts of divine confirmation and victory against the armies of darkness of the natural world, and with the weapons of knowledge and wisdom we defeat the army of ignorance and delusion.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Hotel Marquardt in Stuttgart, 1913-Apr-26 -- ABU2542)

The days of man and the life of the wise ones consist of an inscribed book, an unfolded scroll, and a preserved tablet wherein in all its pages and tablets events are written, and in all its leaves and wonders realities of occurrences and mysteries are inscribed.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893 ca., to Asadullah Anari -- AB03013)

O Lord! Open before their faces the gates of knowledge, fill their hearts with the realities of the arts and sciences, and make the endings of their studies the beginnings of success and prosperity, that they may attain to every joy and gladness and increase day by day in faith and certitude, in serenity and assurance, that they may serve Thy servants in Thy land and worship at Thy holy Threshold.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904-Aug-23, to Salih, Dr Muhammad et al -- AB07763)

Further quotations · supplied wording and references

Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not one of the sciences that begins and ends in words. Fruitless excursions into metaphysical hair-splitting is meant, not a sound branch of learning like philosophy.

UD.445 (15 Feb. 1947 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)