Great Classical Liberal Expounded On Ontology And Natural Law.

If anyone wants a complete picture of what humans "bring to the table" then read this address given by Abdu'l-Baha to the Theosophical Society in Boston, Massachusetts on July 24, 1912.
In the talk Abdu'l-Baha describes the expanded ontological classification used in the divine economy theory and also the potential of the natural characteristics of human beings.

Enjoy the talk even more by listening to it being read as you read along, if you wish.

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Division Of Labor And An Ever-Advancing Civilization!

Perfection is relative. In other words humans are finite yet aware of infinity.

That which is infinitely great can be aspired for and each degree of attainment is the launching pad for the next ascent!

It turns out that the divine microeconomy theory proves scientifically that the source of all value is the appearance of the names and attributes of God. For example, a car is powerful and it is the cause of transport so it is valued and sought and it is desired. Yet this is all just relative because it is possible that another car could be made that is more powerful or that transports in a better manner.

Division of labor is specialization of human productive actions to contribute in a special way that refines and improves upon existing production.

Since perfection is relative (but the infinite potential is always there) the infinite pulls on the finite, and since the names and attributes of God that are manifest in 'things' are not finite, the degree of specialization is ever-expanding. The division of labor is relative but it is always driven by the ever-advancing tendencies inherent in the divine economy.

Those who think that the economy has limits do not understand the true capacity of humans nor do they understand the inseparability of the human reality and the economy. Hopefully by understanding the division of labor it will become clear that the economy is abundant beyond our imagination.

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Great Classical Liberal Warns About Consequence Of Economic Ignorance.

As recorded in the The Diary of Juliet Thompson (entry date July 12, 1912), the following is attributed to Abdu'l-Baha during his visit in New York City:  "On the way down in the cab the Master talked about economics. "The most important of the questions here," He said, "is the economic question. Until that is first solved nothing can be done. But if it should not be solved there will be riots."

The divine economy theory is part of the solution but whether it becomes known soon enough to prevent the riots is up to you and me to spread awareness of this new economic theory.

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Great Classical Liberal Expands The Ontological Realm.

Speaking along the lines of classical liberalism natural law on July 6th, 1912 Abdu'l-Baha described the full nature of human beings: "When we ponder over the reality of the microcosm, we discover that in the microcosm there are deposited three realities. Man is endowed with an outer or physical reality. It belongs to the material realm, the animal kingdom, because it has sprung from the material world. This animalistic reality of man he shares in common with the animals.

The human body is like animals subject to nature's laws. But man is endowed with a second reality, the rational or intellectual reality; and the intellectual reality of man predominates over nature.

All these sciences which we enjoy were the hidden and recondite secrets of nature, unknowable to nature, but man was enabled to discover these mysteries, and out of the plane of the unseen he brought them into the plane of the seen.

Yet there is a third reality in man, the spiritual reality. Through its medium one discovers spiritual revelations, a celestial faculty which is infinite as regards the intellectual as well as physical realms. That power is conferred upon man through the breath of the Holy Spirit. It is an eternal reality, an indestructible reality, a reality belonging to the divine, supernatural kingdom; a reality whereby the world is illumined, a reality which grants unto man eternal life. This third, spiritual reality it is which discovers past events and looks along the vistas of the future. It is the ray of the Sun of Reality. The spiritual world is enlightened through it, the whole of the Kingdom is being illumined by it. It enjoys the world of beatitude, a world which had not beginning and which shall have no end.

That celestial reality, the third reality of the microcosm, delivers man from the material world. Its power causes man to escape from nature's world. Escaping, he will find an illuminating reality, transcending the limited reality of man and causing him to attain to the infinitude of God, abstracting him from the world of superstitions and imaginations, and submerging him in the sea of the rays of the Sun of Reality."

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Great Classical Liberal Restates Classical Liberalism Roots.

After perhaps centuries of a slow migration away from an important foundation of classical liberalism it is time to recapture one of the most glorious aspects of this scientific tradition. To see clearly the economics of this orientation I suggest that you read about the divine economy theory.

To get acquainted with the glorious theme that transforms individuals and civilization listen to this talk given by 'Abdu'l-Baha on July 6th, 1912 at 309 West Seventy-eighth Street, New York: "Is it not astonishing that although man has been created for the knowledge and love of God, for the virtues of the human world, for spirituality, heavenly illumination and life eternal, nevertheless he continues ignorant and negligent of all this? Consider how he seeks knowledge of everything except knowledge of God. For instance, his utmost desire is to penetrate the mysteries of the lowest strata of the earth. Day by day he strives to know what can be found ten metres below the surface, what he can discover within the stone, what he can learn by archaeological research in the dust. He puts forth arduous labors to fathom terrestrial mysteries but is not at all concerned about knowing the mysteries of the Kingdom, traversing the illimitable fields of the eternal world, becoming informed of the divine realities, discovering the secrets of God, attaining the knowledge of God, witnessing the splendors of the Sun of Truth and realizing the glories of everlasting life. He is unmindful and thoughtless of these. How much he is attracted to the mysteries of matter and how completely unaware he is of the mysteries of divinity! Nay, he is utterly negligent and oblivious of the secrets of divinity. How great his ignorance! How conducive to his degradation! It is as if a kind and loving father had provided a library of wonderful books for his son in order that he might be informed of the mysteries of creation; at the same time surrounding him with every means of comfort and enjoyment; but the son amuses himself with pebbles and playthings, neglectful of all his father's gifts and provision. How ignorant and heedless is man! The Father has willed for him glory eternal and he is content with blindness and deprivation. The Father has built for him a royal palace but he is playing with the dust; prepared for him garments of silk but he prefers to remain unclothed; provided for him delicious foods and fruits while he seeks sustenance in the grasses of the field."  (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 64)

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Great Classical Liberal Says Free Thought Leads To Development.

The merit of democracy is not as a system of majority rule but rather the freedom of everyone to have the right to beliefs and opinions.

On June 16, 1912 at Central Congregational Church on Hancock Street, Brooklyn, New York Abdu'l-Baha began his talk with this theme: "Just as in the world of politics there is need for free thought, likewise in the world of religion there should be the right of unrestricted individual belief. Consider what a vast difference exists between modern democracy and the old forms of despotism. Under an autocratic government the opinions of men are not free, and development is stifled, whereas in democracy, because thought and speech are not restricted, the greatest progress is witnessed. It is likewise true in the world of religion. When freedom of conscience, liberty of thought and right of speech prevail -- that is to say, when every man according to his own idealization may give expression to his beliefs -- development and growth are inevitable." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 197)

Take a moment to read (or listen since there is an audio also) to the entire talk.

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Great Classical Liberal Suggests Getting Rid Of Centralization.

On June 2, 1912 during a talk at Church of the Ascension

Fifth Avenue and Tenth Street, New York Abdu'l-Baha anwered the following question: Is it not a fact that universal peace cannot be accomplished until there is political democracy in all the countries of the world?

 

Answer: "It is very evident that in the future there shall be no centralization in the countries of the world, be they constitutional in government, republican or democratic in form. The United States may be held up as the example of future government -- that is to say, each province will be independent in itself, but there will be federal union protecting the interests of the various independent states. It may not be a republican or a democratic form. To cast aside centralization which promotes despotism is the exigency of the time. This will be productive of international peace." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 167)

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Great Classical Liberal Praises Science And Freedom.

Here is an excerpt from a talk given on May 23, 1912 at Clark University, Worcester, MA: "Science can set man free from the captivity of nature, and diminish the power of nature’s negative forces. For nature, indeed, holds all things in the Universe in captivity: The earth, with its stones, trees and animals; the sun itself in all its glory—none can make the slightest departure from nature’s laws. But man—man with the aid of science—can rend asunder nature’s laws and produce a new law for nature itself to follow.

Science takes the sword from the hand of nature and uses it against nature in the service of man. Solid objects are made to fly through the air at man’s command, or to float on, or beneath, the surface of the water. The power of electricity is trapped in a glass bulb; the spoken word is held and preserved; airwaves become the carriers of messages; ships sail on land; deserts become oceans; mountains are rent asunder; North is brought closer to South; West is joined to East. And although these occurrences stand outside the realm of the law of nature, man, through science, achieves them, bringing art and industry out of obscurity and into the light.

Unless man is free, then all the Universe is in bondage to nature’s laws. Man alone has the capacity for freedom, and it is science that is the implement of his freedom. Thus, science is the highest merit of humanity; its glory endures; it has an eternal lifetime. The role of the King is temporary; that of the scientist has enduring glory. A man, though weak physically, if wise with the power of science, can discover the secret truths of the Universe and win undying fame. For the mass of men are like those drugged in sleep, and the man of science is he who is awake; the mass of men are unknown to fame, and the man of science is renowned. Science is like a candle, and the learned man like a lantern." Abdu'l-Baha (Published Source: Star of the West)

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Great Classical Liberal Indicates That Sciences Need Reformation.

On May 23, 1912 Abdu'l-Baha gave a talk at the Free Religious Association, or Unitarian Conference in Boston, Massachusetts preparing the way for the new paradigms necessary for this remarkable period of history: "All things are subject to reformation. This is a century of life and renewal. Sciences and arts, industry and invention have been reformed. Law and ethics have been reconstituted, reorganized. The world of thought has been regenerated. Sciences of former ages and philosophies of the past are useless today. Present exigencies demand new methods of solution; world problems are without precedent. Old ideas and modes of thought are fast becoming obsolete. Ancient laws and archaic ethical systems will not meet the requirements of modern conditions, for this is clearly the century of a new life, the century of the revelation of reality and, therefore, the greatest of all centuries. Consider how the scientific developments of fifty years have surpassed and eclipsed the knowledge and achievements of all the former ages combined. Would the announcements and theories of ancient astronomers explain our present knowledge of the suns and planetary systems? Would the mask of obscurity which beclouded medieval centuries meet the demand for clear-eyed vision and understanding which characterizes the world today? Will the despotism of former governments answer the call for freedom which has risen from the heart of humanity in this cycle of illumination? It is evident that no vital results are now forthcoming from the customs, institutions and standpoints of the past. In view of this, shall blind imitations of ancestral forms and theological interpretations continue to guide and control the religious life and spiritual development of humanity today? Shall man, gifted with the power of reason, unthinkingly follow and adhere to dogma, creeds and hereditary beliefs which will not bear the analysis of reason in this century of effulgent reality? Unquestionably this will not satisfy men of science, for when they find premise or conclusion contrary to present standards of proof and without real foundation, they reject that which has been formerly accepted as standard and correct and move forward from new foundations." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 140)

The divine economy theory is an example of this completely new scientific discovery that will revolutionize social cooperation.

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Great Classical Liberal Identifies What Emboldens The Materialists.

On 31 May, 1912 Abdu'l-Baha gave a talk at the Town Hall in Fanwood, New Jersey. He explained why there is an imbalance in the human sciences, depriving humankind of the full power of the human spirit, thereby delaying the extermination of prejudices and superstitions.

"The material world is subject to change and transformation. The Cause of the Kingdom is eternal; therefore, it is the most important. But, alas, day by day the power of the Kingdom in human hearts is weakened, and material forces gain the ascendancy. The divine signs are becoming less and less, and human evidences grow stronger. They have reached such a degree that materialists are advancing and aggressive while divine forces are waning and vanishing. Irreligion has conquered religion. The cause of the chaotic condition lies in the differences among the religions and finds its origin in the animosity and hatred existing between sects and denominations. The materialists have availed themselves of this dissension amongst the religions and are constantly attacking them, intending to uproot the tree of divine planting. Owing to strife and contention among themselves, the religions are being weakened and vanquished. If a commander is at variance with his army in the execution of military tactics, there is no doubt he will be defeated by the enemy. Today the religions are at variance; enmity, strife and recrimination prevail among them; they refuse to associate; nay, rather, if necessary they shed each other's blood. Read history and record to see what dreadful events have happened in the name of religion. For instance, the Hebrew prophets were sent to announce Christ, but unfortunately the Talmud and its superstitions veiled Him so completely that they crucified their promised Messiah. Had they renounced the talmudic traditions and investigated the reality of the religion of Moses, they would have become believers in Christ. Blind adherence to forms and imitations of ancestral beliefs deprived them of their messianic bounty. They were not refreshed by the downpouring rain of mercy, nor were they illumined by the rays of the Sun of Truth.

Imitation destroys the foundation of religion, extinguishes the spirituality of the human world, transforms heavenly illumination into darkness and deprives man of the knowledge of God. It is the cause of the victory of materialism and infidelity over religion; it is the denial of Divinity and the law of revelation; it refuses Prophethood and rejects the Kingdom of God. When materialists subject imitations to the intellectual analysis of reason, they find them to be mere superstitions; therefore, they deny religion . . ." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 161)

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Great Classical Liberal Speaks Of The Logic Of Peace!

On 30 May 1912 Abdu'l-Baha gave a talk at Theosophical Lodge Broadway and Seventy-ninth Street, New York and in that talk he used logic to unravel host upon host of erroneous assumptions that keep humanity from recognizing its oneness:

 

"Today the human world is in need of a great power by which these glorious principles and purposes may be executed. The cause of peace is a very great cause; it is the cause of God, and all the forces of the world are opposed to it. Governments for instance, consider militarism as the step to human progress, that division among men and nations is the cause of patriotism and honor, that if one nation attack and conquer another, gaining wealth, territory and glory thereby, this warfare and conquest, this bloodshed and cruelty are the cause of that victorious nation's advancement and prosperity. This is an utter mistake. Compare the nations of the world to the members of a family. A family is a nation in miniature. Simply enlarge the circle of the household and you have the nation. Enlarge the circle of nations and you have all humanity. The conditions surrounding the family surround the nation. The happenings in the family are the happenings in the life of the nation. Would it add to the progress and advancement of a family if dissensions should arise among its members, fighting, pillaging each other, jealous and revengeful of injury, seeking selfish advantage? Nay, this would be the cause of the effacement of progress and advancement. So it is in the great family of nations, for nations are but an aggregate of families. Therefore as strife and dissension destroy a family and prevent its progress, so nations are destroyed and advancement hindered.

 

All the heavenly books, divine prophets, sages and philosophers agree that warfare is destructive to human development, and peace constructive. They agree that war and strife strike at the foundations of humanity. Therefore a power is needed to prevent war and to proclaim and establish the oneness of humanity.

 

But knowledge of the need of this power is not sufficient. Realizing that wealth is desirable is not becoming wealthy. The admission that scientific attainment is praiseworthy does not confer scientific knowledge. Acknowledgment of the excellence of honor does not make a man honorable. Knowledge of human conditions and the needed remedy for them is not the cause of their betterment. To admit that health is good does not constitute health. A skilled physician is needed to remedy existing human conditions. As a physician is required to have complete knowledge of pathology, diagnosis, therapeutics and treatment, so this world physician must be wise, skillful and capable before health will result. His mere knowledge is not health; it must be applied and the remedy carried out.

 

The attainment of any object is conditioned upon knowledge, volition and action. Unless these three conditions are forthcoming there is no execution or accomplishment. In the erection of a house it is first necessary to know the ground and design the house suitable for it; second, to obtain the means or funds necessary for the construction; third, to actually build it. Therefore a power is needed to carry out and execute what is known and admitted to be the remedy for human conditions; namely, the unification of mankind. Furthermore, it is evident that this cannot be realized through material process and means. The accomplishment of this unification cannot be through racial power, for races are different and diverse in tendencies. It cannot be through patriotic power, for nationalities are unlike. Nor can it be effected through political power since the policies of governments and nations are various. That is to say, any effort toward unification through these material means would benefit one and injure another because of unequal and individual interests. Some may believe this great remedy can be found in dogmatic insistence upon imitations and interpretations. This would likewise be without foundation and result. Therefore it is evident that no means but an ideal means, a spiritual power, divine bestowals and the breaths of the Holy Spirit will heal this world sickness of war, dissension and discord. Nothing else is possible; nothing can be conceived of. But through spiritual means and the divine power it is possible and practicable.

 

Consider history. What has brought unity to nations, morality to peoples and benefits to mankind? If we reflect upon it we will find that establishing the divine religions has been the greatest means toward accomplishing the oneness of humanity. The foundation of divine reality in religion has done this; not imitations of ancestral religious forms. Imitations are opposed to each other and have ever been the cause of strife, enmity, jealousy and war. The divine religions are collective centers in which diverse standpoints may meet, agree and unify. They accomplish oneness of nativities, races and policies. For instance, His Holiness Christ united various nations, brought peace to warring peoples and established the oneness of human kind. The conquering Greeks and Romans, the prejudiced Egyptians and Assyrians were all in a condition of strife, enmity and war but His Holiness gathered these varied peoples together and removed the foundations of discord; not through racial, patriotic or political power but through divine power, the power of the Holy Spirit. This was not otherwise possible. All other efforts of men and nations remain as mere mention in history, without accomplishment. 

 

As this great result is contingent upon divine power and bestowals, where shall the world obtain that power? God is eternal and ancient; not a new God. His sovereignty is of old, not recent; not merely existent these five or six thousand years. This infinite universe is from everlasting. The sovereignty, power, names and attributes of God are eternal, ancient. His names presuppose creation and predicate His existence and will. We say God is creator. This name creator appears when we connote creation. We say God is the provider. This name presupposes and proves the existence of the provided. God is love. This name proves the existence of the beloved. In the same way God is mercy, God is justice, God is life, etc., etc. Therefore as God is creator, eternal and ancient, there were always creatures and subjects existing and provided for. There is no doubt that divine sovereignty is eternal. Sovereignty necessitates subjects, ministers, trustees and others subordinate to sovereignty. Could there be a king without country, subjects and armies? If we conceive of a time when there were no creatures, no servants, no subjects of divine lordship we dethrone God and predicate a time when God was not. It would be as if He had been recently appointed and man had given these names to Him. The divine sovereignty is ancient, eternal. God from everlasting was love, justice, power, creator, provider, the omniscient, the bountiful.

 

As the divine entity is eternal, the divine attributes are co-existent, co-eternal. The divine bestowals are therefore without beginning, without end. God is infinite; the works of God are infinite; the bestowals of God are infinite. As His divinity is eternal, His lordship and perfections are without end. As the bounty of the Holy Spirit is eternal, we can never say that His bestowals terminate, else He terminates. If we think of the sun and then try to conceive of the cessation of the solar flame and heat, we have predicated the non-existence of the sun. For separation of the sun from its rays and heat is inconceivable. Therefore if we limit the bestowals of God we limit the attributes of God and limit God.

 

Let us then trust in the bounty and bestowal of God. Let us be exhilarated with the divine breath, illumined and exalted by the heavenly glad-tidings. God has ever dealt with man in mercy and kindness. He who conferred the divine spirit in former times is abundantly able and capable at all times and periods to grant the same bestowals. Therefore let us be hopeful. The God who gave to the world formerly will do so now and in the future. God who breathed the breath of the Holy Spirit upon His servants will breathe it upon them now and hereafter. There is no cessation to His bounty. The divine spirit is penetrating from eternity to eternity for it is the bounty of God and the bounty of God is eternal. Can you conceive of limitation of the divine power in atomic verities or cessation of the divine bounty in existing organisms? Could you conceive the power now manifest in this glass in cohesion of its atoms, becoming non-existent? The energy by which the water of the sea is constituted, failing to exert itself and the sea disappearing? A shower of rain today and no more showers afterward? The effulgence of the sun terminated and no more light or heat?

 

When we observe that in the kingdom of minerals the divine bounties are continuous, how much more shall we expect and realize in the divine spiritual Kingdom! How much greater the radiation of the lights of God and the bounty of life everlasting upon the soul of man! As the body of the universe is continuous, indestructible, the bounties and bestowals of the divine spirit are everlasting.

 

I praise God that I am privileged to be present in this revered assembly which is quickened with spiritual susceptibilities and heavenly attraction; its members investigating the reality; their utmost hope the establishment of international peace and their greatest purpose service to the world of humanity.

 

When we observe the world of created phenomena we discover that each atom of the atoms of substance is moving through the various degrees and kingdoms of organic life. For instance, consider the ethereal element which is penetrating and traveling through all the contingent realities. When there is vibration or movement in the ethereal element, the eye is affected by that vibration and beholds what is known as light.

 

In the same manner the bestowals of God are moving and circulating throughout all created things. This illimitable divine bounty has no beginning and will have no ending. It is moving, circulating and becomes effective wherever capacity is developed to receive it. In every station there is a specialized capacity. Therefore we must be hopeful that through the bounty and favor of God, this spirit of life infusing all created things shall quicken humanity and from its bestowals the human world become a divine world, this earthly kingdom the mirror of the realm of divinity, the virtues and perfections of the world of humanity become unveiled and the image and likeness of God be reflected from this temple." (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 99)

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Great Classical Liberal Identifies Two Kinds Of Sciences.

In the heyday of classical liberalism (when the divine civilization of the Christian Dispensation was at its apex) great minds of the philosophy of classical liberalism, like Thomas Aquinas, regarded theology as the 'queen of the sciences.' In a sense, then, the material sciences would then be considered as the king of the sciences but since we are now living in the age of maturity - when the equality of women and men is a known fact - the king of sciences ands the queen of sciences reign equally!

In an explanation of the importance and distinction of the two kinds of sciences Abdu'l-Baha spoke these words at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Francis W. Breed, 367 Harvard Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 23, 1912: "Scientific knowledge is the highest attainment upon the human plane, for science is the discoverer of realities. It is of two kinds: material and spiritual. Material science is the investigation of natural phenomena; divine science is the discovery and realization of spiritual verities. The world of humanity must acquire both. A bird has two wings; it cannot fly with one. Material and spiritual science are the two wings of human uplift and attainment. Both are necessary -- one the natural, the other supernatural; one material, the other divine. By the divine we mean the discovery of the mysteries of God, the comprehension of spiritual realities, the wisdom of God, inner significances of the heavenly religions and foundation of the law." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 138)

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Great Classical Liberal Speaks About The Rich And The Poor.

At the Brotherhood Church, Bergen and Fairview Avenues, Jersey City, New Jersey on 19 May 1912 Abdu'l-Baha spoke about the power of social cooperation and how it is a part of the inherent nature of humankind: "There is brotherhood natal in mankind because all are elements of one human society subject to the necessity of agreement and cooperation. There is brotherhood intended in humanity because all are waves of one sea, leaves and fruit of one tree. This is physical fellowship which ensures material happiness in the human world. The stronger it becomes, the more will mankind advance and the circle of materiality be enlarged." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 129)

Later in the talk Abdu'Baha spoke about the natural and peaceful conditions in the divine civilization: "Among the results of the manifestation of spiritual forces will be that the human world will adapt itself to a new social form, the justice of God will become manifest throughout human affairs, and human equality will be universally established. The poor will receive a great bestowal, and the rich attain eternal happiness. For although at the present time the rich enjoy the greatest luxury and comfort, they are nevertheless deprived of eternal happiness; for eternal happiness is contingent upon giving, and the poor are everywhere in the state of abject need. Through the manifestation of God's great equity the poor of the world will be rewarded and assisted fully, and there will be a readjustment in the economic conditions of mankind so that in the future there will not be the abnormally rich nor the abject poor. The rich will enjoy the privilege of this new economic condition as well as the poor, for owing to certain provisions and restrictions they will not be able to accumulate so much as to be burdened by its management, while the poor will be relieved from the stress of want and misery. The rich will enjoy his palace, and the poor will have his comfortable cottage."

"The essence of the matter is that divine justice will become manifest in human conditions and affairs, and all mankind will find comfort and enjoyment in life. It is not meant that all will be equal, for inequality in degree and capacity is a property of nature." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 131)

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Great Classical Liberal Acknowledges That Economic Intervention Is Inadequate.

Unity - which is our birthright and part of the essential conditions in a divine economy - is given the attention of Abdu'l-Baha at the Church of the Divine Paternity, Central Park West, New York on 19 May 1912:  "First, that the oneness of humanity shall be recognized and established. All men are the servants of God. He has created all; He is the Provider and Preserver; He is loving to all. Inasmuch as He is just and kind, why should we be unjust toward each other? As God has quickened us with life, why should we be the cause of death? As He has comforted us, why should we be the cause of anxiety and suffering? Can humanity conceive a plan and policy better and superior to that of God? It is certain that no matter how capable man may be in origination of plan and organization of purpose, his efforts will be inadequate when compared with the divine plan and purpose; for the policy of God is perfect. Therefore, we must follow the will and plan of God. As He is kind to all, we must be likewise; and it is certain that this will be most acceptable to God." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 127)

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Ron Paul Refers To The Baha'i Faith In "LIBERTY DEFINED."

As one of the fifty essential issues that affect our freedom addressed in "LIBERTY DEFINED" Ron Paul discusses 'RELIGION AND LIBERTY" and he mentions on page 246 under the heading of "Love . . . in the World's Great Religions" the following Baha'i quote about the love of God: "Love Me that I may love thee. If thou lovest me not, My love can in no wise reach thee."

And under the heading of "The Golden Rule . . . According to the World's Great Religions" on page 246 Ron Paul gives the following reference: "Blessed is he who preferred his brother before himself. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, 71)"

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Great Classical Liberal Condemns the Wars of the State.

At a talk given at the Meeting of International Peace Forum at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, West 104th Street, New York on 12 May 1912, Abdu'l-Baha said: "The domestic animals do not manifest hatred and cruelty toward each other; that is the attribute of the wild and ferocious beasts. In a flock of one thousand sheep you will witness no bloodshed. Numberless species of birds are peaceful in flocks. Wolves, lions, tigers are ferocious because it is their natural and necessary means for obtaining food. Man has no need of such ferocity; his food is provided in other ways. Therefore it is evident that warfare, cruelty and bloodshed in the kingdom of man are caused by human greed, hatred and selfishness. The kings and rulers of nations enjoy luxury and ease in their palaces and send the common people to the battlefield; offer them as the food and targets of cannon. Each day they invent new instruments for the more complete destruction of the foundations of the human race. They are callous and merciless toward their fellow-creatures. What shall atone for the sufferings and grief of mothers who have so tenderly cared for their sons? What sleepless nights they have spent and what days of devotion and love they have given to bring their children to maturity! Yet the savagery of these warring rulers causes great numbers of their victims to be torn and mutilated in a day. What ignorance and degradation, yea even greater than the ferocious beasts themselves! For a wolf will carry away and devour one sheep at a time whereas an ambitious tyrant may cause the death of one hundred thousand men in a battle and glory in his military prowess saying, "I am commander-in-chief; I have won this mighty victory." Consider the ignorance and inconsistency of the human race. If a man kills another, no matter what the cause may be, he is pronounced a murderer, imprisoned or executed; but the brutal oppressor who has slain one hundred thousand is idolized as a hero, conqueror or military genius. A man steals a small sum of money; he is called a thief and sent to the penitentiary; but the military leader who invades and pillages a whole kingdom is acclaimed heroic and a mighty man of valor. How base and ignorant is man!" (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 24)

And then on May 13, 1912 'Abdu'l-Baha gave another talk at a reception by the New York Peace Society at Hotel Astor in New York: "Peace is light whereas war is darkness. Peace is life; war is death. Peace is guidance; war is error. Peace is the foundation of God; war is satanic institution. Peace is the illumination of the world of humanity; war is the destroyer of human foundations. When we consider outcomes in the world of existence we find that peace and fellowship are factors of upbuilding and betterment whereas war and strife are the causes of destruction and disintegration. All created things are expressions of the affinity and cohesion of elementary substances, and non-existence is the absence of their attraction and agreement. Various elements unite harmoniously in composition but when these elements become discordant, repelling each other, decomposition and non-existence result. Everything partakes of this nature and is subject to this principle, for the creative foundation in all its degrees and kingdoms is an expression or outcome of love. Consider the restlessness and agitation of the human world today because of war. Peace is health and construction; war is disease and dissolution. When the banner of truth is raised, peace becomes the cause of the welfare and advancement of the human world. In all cycles and ages war has been a factor of derangement and discomfort whereas peace and brotherhood have brought security and consideration of human interests. This distinction is especially pronounced in the present world conditions, for warfare in former centuries had not attained the degree of savagery and destructiveness which now characterizes it. If two nations were at war in olden times, ten or twenty thousand would be sacrificed but in this century the destruction of one hundred thousand lives in a day is quite possible. So perfected has the science of killing become and so efficient the means and instruments of its accomplishment that a whole nation can be obliterated in a short time. Therefore comparison with the methods and results of ancient warfare is out of the question." (Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 231)

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Great Classical Liberal Speaks Of The Essence Of Philosophy.

On May 3, 1912 during a talk at Hotel Plaza Chicago, Abdu'l-Baha spoke about the unfolding of Western Civilization: "Galen the Greek physician and philosopher who lived in the second century A.D., wrote a treatise upon the civilization of nations. He was not a Christian but he has borne testimony that religious beliefs exercise an extraordinary effect upon the problems of civilization. In substance he says: "There are certain people among us, followers of Jesus the Nazarene who was killed in Jerusalem. These people are truly imbued with moral principles which are the envy of philosophers. They believe in God and fear Him. They have hopes in His favors, therefore they shun all unworthy deeds and actions and incline to praiseworthy ethics and morals. Day and night they strive that their deeds may be commendable and that they may contribute to the welfare of humanity; therefore each one of them is virtually a philosopher, for these people have attained unto that which is the essence and purport of philosophy. These people have praiseworthy morals even though they may be illiterate."

"The purpose of this is to show that the holy Manifestations of God, the divine prophets, are the first teachers of the human race. They are universal educators and the fundamental principles they have laid down are the causes and factors of the advancement of nations. Forms and imitations which creep in afterward are not conducive to that progress. On the contrary these are destroyers of human foundations established by the heavenly educators." (Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 249)

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Great Classical Liberal And The Human Capital Of Women.

On May 2, 1912 in a talk given to the Federation of Women’s Clubs at the Hotel La Salle in Chicago, Abdu'l-Baha said the following: "The fact which is to be considered, however, is that woman, having formerly been deprived, must now be allowed equal opportunities with man for education and training. There must be no difference in their education. Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible. Even granted that woman is inferior to man in some degree of capacity or accomplishment, this or any other distinction would continue to be productive of discord and trouble. The only remedy is education, opportunity; for equality means equal qualification. In brief, the assumption of superiority by man will continue to be depressing to the ambition of woman, as if her attainment to equality was creationally impossible; woman's aspiration toward advancement will be checked by it, and she will gradually become hopeless. On the contrary, we must declare that her capacity is equal, even greater than man's. This will inspire her with hope and ambition, and her susceptibilities for advancement will continually increase. She must not be told and taught that she is weaker and inferior in capacity and qualification. If a pupil is told that his intelligence is less than his fellow pupils, it is a very great drawback and handicap to his progress. He must be encouraged to advance by the statement, "You are most capable, and if you endeavor, you will attain the highest degree."

"It is my hope that the banner of equality may be raised throughout the five continents where as yet it is not fully recognized and established. In this enlightened world of the West woman has advanced an immeasurable degree beyond the women of the Orient. And let it be known once more that until woman and man recognize and realize equality, social and political progress here or anywhere will not be possible. For the world of humanity consists of two parts or members: one is woman; the other is man. Until these two members are equal in strength, the oneness of humanity cannot be established, and the happiness and felicity of mankind will not be a reality." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 76)

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Great Classical Liberal Suggests Answer To The Labor Question.

Briefly stated the common sense solution to the labor unrest and those who were in position to encourage or discourage the unrest was given in a subtle manner.

On April 26, 1912 in Washington, DC at the Memorial Continental Hall Mr. Samuel Gompers [President of the American Federation of Labor, who was one of the scheduled speakers at this event.] was brought in to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Among other things he said, “I try to do my duty.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied, “If each one tried to do his duty there would be no Labor Question.”

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Why Is Laissez-Faire So Difficult To Appreciate?

Uncertainty is intolerable to humans because in these Dark Ages of economics trust in God is forgotten and misunderstood. The perverse solution derived at by the ignorant is ego-driven intervention.

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Great Classical Liberal Says Our Intellectual Faculty Is Unlimited In Its Sphere Of Action.

Human action is our unique distinction and it is the essence of our human reality. The great foundational, human potential is our intellect and the logical structure of our intellect.

At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons on April 25, 1912 in Washington, D.C. Abdu'l-Baha concluded his talk with this: "God has endowed man with reason that he may perceive what is true. If we insist that such and such a subject is not to be reasoned out and tested according to the established logical modes of the intellect, what is the use of the reason which God has given man? The eye is the organ of sense by which we view the world of outer phenomena; hearing is the faculty for distinguishing sounds; taste senses the properties of objects, such as bitter, sweet; smell detects and differentiates odors; touch reveals attributes of matter and perfects our communication with the outer world; yet after all, the circle and range of perception by the five senses is exceedingly limited. But the intellectual faculty of man is unlimited in its sphere of action. The eye views details perhaps a mile, but the intellect can perceive the far East and West. The ear may hear tone modulations at one thousand feet, but the mind of man can detect the harmonies of the heavenly spheres as they swing in their courses. Mind makes geological discoveries in subterranean depths and determines the processes of creation in the earth's lowest strata. The sciences and arts, all inventions, crafts, trades and their products have come forth from the intellect of man. It is evident that within the human organism the intellect occupies the supreme station. Therefore, if religious belief, principle or creed is not in accordance with the intellect and the power of reason, it is surely superstition."
 (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 63)

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Great Classical Liberal Knows The Value And Blessing Of Liberty!

On April 23, 1912 at the Bethel Literary Society, held at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Abdu'l-Baha spoke of the potentials of men and women unencumbered by oppression: "Through intellectual and intelligent inquiry science is the discoverer of all things. It unites present and past, reveals the history of bygone nations and events, and confers upon man today the essence of all human knowledge and attainment throughout the ages. By intellectual processes and logical deductions of reason this superpower in man can penetrate the mysteries of the future and anticipate its happenings."
 (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 49)

" . . . in this human world there is no greater blessing than liberty. You do not know. I, who for forty years have been a prisoner, do know. I do know the value and blessing of liberty. For you have been and are now living in freedom, and you have no fear of anybody. Is there a greater blessing than this? Freedom! Liberty! Security! These are the great bestowals of God.
 (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 52)

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Great Classical Liberal Asks Capitalists To Be Entrepreneurial.

In the economy the function and responsibility of the entrepreneur is to be alert to what is going on by paying attention to the signals sent directly and indirectly by the prices in the market. Alertness to the needs of the workers is part of successful entrepreneurship.

When speaking on the subject of economics to guests shortly after 6pm in Washington, D.C. on April 22, 1912 Abdu'l Baha spoke of: "the great need of Capitalists to study and improve the conditions of laborers, otherwise there would be serious results: the harm of strikes or of gaining things by force that should be settled amicably."

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Great Classical Liberal Says Knowledge Ends Wars.

It is true that knowledge is the solution to the problems that come from a lack of knowledge. In the dynamic model of the divine economy - constructed using the subjectivist methodology - the "Nature and Role of Knowledge" axis moves to the right naturally and continuously as civilization is ever-advancing when it is unhindered by ego-driven interpretation and ego-driven intervention.

On April 21st in 1912 in Washington, D.C. the great classical liberal spoke about the ending of wars: "It is evident that prejudices arising from adherence to religious forms and imitation of ancestral beliefs have hindered the progress of humanity thousands of years. How many wars and battles have been fought, how much division, discord and hatred have been caused by this form of prejudice! But inasmuch as this century is a century of the revelation of reality -- praise be to God! -- the thoughts of men are being directed toward the welfare and unity of humanity. Daily the mirage of imitations is passing away, and the ocean of truth is surging more tumultuously. All the existing nations had a divine foundation of truth or reality originally, which was intended to be conducive to the unity and accord of mankind, but the light of that reality gradually became obscured. The darkness of superstitions and imitations came and took its place, binding the world of humanity in the chains and fetters of ignorance. Enmity arose among men, increasing to such an extent that nation strove against nation in hatred and violence. War has been a religious and political human heritage."
 (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 39)

And like the great classical liberals Abdu'l-Baha knows the vital contribution of ethics to the development of individuals and to the development of societies and civilization as a whole. He says: "In the world of existence the animal is a captive of nature. Its actions are according to the exigencies and requirements of nature. It has no consideration or consciousness of good and evil. It simply follows its natural instinct and inclination. The Prophets of God have come to show man the way of righteousness in order that he may not follow his own natural impulse but govern his action by the light of Their precept and example. According to Their teachings he should do that which is found to be praiseworthy by the standard of reason and judgment of intellect, even though it be opposed to his natural human inclination; and he should not do that which is found to be unworthy by that same standard, even though it be in the direction of his natural impulse and desire. Therefore, man must follow and manifest the attributes of the Merciful."

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Great Classical Liberal Speaks About Ontology At Columbia University.

One might think that the great classical liberal who spoke at Columbia University was Murray Rothbard since he did his early studies at that university. But this speaker and this talk about natural law preceded Murray Rothbard by a third of a century.

"If we look with a perceiving eye upon the world of creation, we find that all existing things may be classified as follows: first, mineral -- that is to say, matter or substance appearing in various forms of composition; second, vegetable -- possessing the virtues of the mineral plus the power of augmentation or growth, indicating a degree higher and more specialized than the mineral; third, animal -- possessing the attributes of the mineral and vegetable plus the power of sense perception; fourth, human -- the highest specialized organism of visible creation, embodying the qualities of the mineral, vegetable and animal plus an ideal endowment absolutely absent in the lower kingdoms -- the power of intellectual investigation into the mysteries of outer phenomena. The outcome of this intellectual endowment is science, which is especially characteristic of man. This scientific power investigates and apprehends created objects and the laws surrounding them. It is the discoverer of the hidden and mysterious secrets of the material universe and is peculiar to man alone. The most noble and praiseworthy accomplishment of man, therefore, is scientific knowledge and attainment."
 (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 29)

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Great Classical Liberal Speaks About Reason And Knowledge.

Human beings confront the Absolute with relativity. To us the future is uncertain, unknown. The knowledge that we have and the knowledge that we gain is relative and even ephemeral when the whole time horizon - from the beginning that hath no beginning to the end that hath no end - is kept in mind.

The great classical liberal, addressing the diverse people gathered at Hotel Ansonia,

Broadway and Seventy-third Street in New York on April 17th, 1912, offered the following tidbit of wise perception: "the materialists announce that the criterion and standard of human knowledge is sense perception. Among the Greeks and Romans the criterion of knowledge was reason — that whatever is provable and acceptable by reason must necessarily be admitted as true. A third standard or criterion is the opinion held by theologians that traditions or prophetic statement and interpretations constitute the basis of human knowing. There is still another, a fourth criterion, upheld by religionists and metaphysicians who say that the source and channel of all human penetration into the unknown is through inspiration. Briefly then, these four criteria according to the declarations of men are: first, sense perception; second, reason; third, traditions; fourth, inspiration."

 

And he goes on: "All human standards of judgment are faulty, finite."

 

These are only the tools, the means, not the ends. If pride and arrogance prevent these means from being energized with the Holy Spirit then only a lesser degree of perfection is possible.

 

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Great Classical Liberal Praises Western Civilization.

Speaking at the Hotel Ansonia, Broadway and Seventy-third Street in New York on April 16th, 1912, he said: "Christ appeared in this world nineteen hundred years ago to establish ties of unity and bonds of love between the various nations and different communities. He cemented together the sciences of Rome and the splendors of the civilization of Greece. He also accomplished affiliation between the Assyrian kingdom and the power of Egypt. The blending of these nations in unity, love and agreement had been impossible, but Christ through divine power established this condition among the children of men." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 18)

These were the fruits of the divine civilization which appeared on the European continent (Western Civilization) as the message promulgated by the inspired classical liberalism scholars blended together Aristotelian logic and love of humanity and the love of God.

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Great Classical Liberal Speaks About Civilization.

In the tradition of classical liberalism there is harmony between economics and religion. Here (and a portion of it below) is a quote of a great classical liberal not yet appreciated as a contributor to this vital and magnificent philosophical tradition. Also, yet to be appreciated is the new economic theory within the classical liberalism tradition - the divine economy theory.

"Since my arrival in this country I find that material civilization has progressed greatly, that commerce has attained the utmost degree of expansion; arts, agriculture and all details of material civilization have reached the highest stage of perfection, but spiritual civilization has been left behind. Material civilization is like unto the lamp, while spiritual civilization is the light in that lamp. If the material and spiritual civilization become united, then we will have the light and the lamp together, and the outcome will be perfect. For material civilization is like unto a beautiful body, and spiritual civilization is like unto the spirit of life. If that wondrous spirit of life enters this beautiful body, the body will become a channel for the distribution and development of the perfections of humanity.

Jesus Christ came to teach the people of the world this heavenly civilization and not material civilization. He breathed the breath of the Holy Spirit into the body of the world and established an illumined civilization. Among the principles of divine civilization He came to proclaim is the Most Great Peace of mankind. Among His principles of spiritual civilization is the oneness of the kingdom of humanity. Among the principles of heavenly civilization He brought is the virtue of the human world. Among the principles of celestial civilization He announced is the improvement and betterment of human morals.

Today the world of humanity is in need of international unity and conciliation. To establish these great fundamental principles a propelling power is needed. It is self-evident that the unity of the human world and the Most Great Peace cannot be accomplished through material means. They cannot be established through political power, for the political interests of nations are various and the policies of peoples are divergent and conflicting. They cannot be founded through racial or patriotic power, for these are human powers, selfish and weak. The very nature of racial differences and patriotic prejudices prevents the realization of this unity and agreement. Therefore, it is evidenced that the promotion of the oneness of the kingdom of humanity, which is the essence of the teachings of all the Manifestations of God, is impossible except through the divine power and breaths of the Holy Spirit. Other powers are too weak and are incapable of accomplishing this.

For man two wings are necessary. One wing is physical power and material civilization; the other is spiritual power and divine civilization. With one wing only, flight is impossible. Two wings are essential. Therefore, no matter how much material civilization advances, it cannot attain to perfection except through the uplift of spiritual civilization.

All the Prophets have come to promote divine bestowals, to found the spiritual civilization and teach the principles of morality. Therefore, we must strive with all our powers so that spiritual influences may gain the victory. For material forces have attacked mankind. The world of humanity is submerged in a sea of materialism. The rays of the Sun of Reality are seen but dimly and darkly through opaque glasses. The penetrative power of the divine bounty is not fully manifest." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 11)

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100 Years Ago A Great Classical Liberal Came To America.

The exciting part of this news is that the daily activities and events and messages are posted for each of the 239 days that 'Abdu'l-Baha was in America (April 11th through December 5th in 1912). You can see the media portrayal, and the diary notes by those who were deeply affected by associating with 'Abdu'l-Baha, and the text of the content of the talks given by 'Abdu'l-Baha at various and sundry venues across America and Canada.

Lovers of history and lovers of peace and justice will enjoy following this historical journey during this centenary observance.

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The Foreword To "Voluntary Theocracy: Divine Economy Theory"

Foreword for Voluntary Theocracy

There is something about the virtues that make them essential for predictable success in whatever human beings undertake. Predictable success is valuable because chance or an underlying order that is unknown to us may be operating as well. This is true whether or not what we are undertaking is a worthy endeavour. We even need the virtues to be predictably successful when engaged in doing the “wrong” thing. Imagine a thief that lacks determination. At the first obstacle the thief would abandon the enterprise. A gang cannot exist without loyalty; any form of betrayal is likely to end its collective nature.

It is not surprising then that virtues are central to the human enterprise. When asked “What is the purpose of our lives?” 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the son of the Founder of the Bahá’i Faith responded, ”To acquire virtues.” What is surprising is that for so long, contemporary economics have relegated virtues to buzz words like “trust in the institutions” and “consumer confidence” without the spiritual basis required to re-establish trust once it is broken or rebuild confidence once it is lost. Bruce Koerber in Part One and Part Two of Voluntary Theocracy places the virtues where they belong: at the heart of all of our interactions.

If this had been all that he did, his work would be commendable and worthy of our attention. However, Bruce Koerber has done much more. In Part Three and Part Four of Voluntary Theocracy he lays out the principles underlying what he refers to as the Divine Economy. For all Religious traditions it has been central to our purpose here, to come to know and love the Divine Order and the One who created it. "I want to know God's thoughts; the rest are details.", (attributed to Albert Einstein), is an acknowledgement that there is an underlying order in the world in which we live. It is the goal of science to uncover that order and to make it accessible and understandable. It is in that spirit that Bruce Koerber’s Divine Economy is an unfolding scientific endeavour.

Not only is there an underlying order within creation but also a goal, a direction — to carry forward an ever advancing civilization. Each created being has a part to play in that unfolding plan. Each human being is born into potential with that potential, when realized, enabling us to play a unique part in a Divine Plan encompassing all humanity. As we play our parts, each of us is meant to benefit ourselves and those we interact with: sounds a lot like an economy, which it is. As Bruce Koerber aptly points out in Voluntary Theocracy, being productive benefits not just ourselves but also that increased productivity benefits us all.

It is the spiritual purpose of society to create cultures and systems (education, markets, etc.) that allow each and every one of us to discover our unique parts in that Divine Plan; develop the potentials that enable us to play our parts; and provide for the opportunities that allow each to make a unique contribution to the whole and be acknowledged for doing so. This would be a challenge for any society. This challenge is made more difficult if we ignore the signs and fail to read clearly the spirit of the Age in which we live.

Because of the underlying unity of the human enterprise we err if we artificially separate any part from the whole. We make this error if we separate people into classes, races, tribes, nations or any other artificial division. If we treat the cultural, educational or economic systems as separate entities governed by different principles we make such a mistake. Because of humanity’s spiritual nature, when we treat religion as unimportant or fail to integrate its guidance, we make another mistake. When we separate Religion from Science we make a similar error. Rare for a scientist, Bruce Koerber recognizes the unity of the human enterprise and avoids these mistakes.

Even rarer is Bruce Koerber’s realization that the greatest of our potentials, our birthright and greatest asset is our potential to acquire the Divine Virtues and Spiritual Qualities. As we develop our potentials we develop the Virtues. As we play our respective parts in the Divine Plan and participate in the Divine Economy that is its result we are given opportunities to further develop the Virtues. As we act on the Virtues we have developed we will carry forward the Divine Plan for the benefit of all creation.

As Lao Tzu so eloquently said in the Tao Te Ching {The Canon of Reason and Virtue}:

“Tao when nursed within one's self,
His vigour will make true;
And where the family it rules
What riches will accrue!
The neighbourhood where it prevails
In thriving will abound;
And when 'tis seen throughout the state, Good fortune will be found.
Employ it the kingdom o'er,
And men thrive all around.”

Dan Popov, Ph.D.

Co-Founder, The Virtues Project™

Canada

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