THOSE WHO CANNOT LEARN FROM HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT.
Socialism, Capitalism, and their impact on Politics. The U.S. political polarization and other such conflicting governmental and economic systems created by mankind do not actually solve the major world problems, the reason for this is that they do not take into account the spiritual components necessary to achieve true “unity” throughout the world; however, the Baha’i teachings offer such a comprehensive view regarding the reality of human life, when fully accepted and applied by the majority of the people’s of the world, it will certainly create this much anticipated and highly sought after world peace!
The following summary is extracted from, Evolution & Economics: Eradicating Extremes of Wealth and Poverty, to see the full article, or to find similar articles related to this subject please visit www.bahaiteachings.org for more information.
The Baha’i Faith, unlike most other Faiths, offers the world a specific set of economic principles. Designed to promote justice, fairness and unity, those spiritual Baha’i principles do not advocate any of the currently existing economic models of capitalism, socialism or communism. Instead, the Baha’i economic ideals combine the best and most workable features of those systems with a balanced, spiritual approach that endeavors to deeply diminish the impact of the human struggle for existence.
The fourth principle or teaching of Baha’u’llah is the readjustment and equalization of the economic standards of mankind. This deals with the question of human livelihood. It is evident that under present systems and conditions of government the poor are subject to the greatest need and distress while others more fortunate live in luxury and plenty far beyond their actual necessities. This inequality of portion and privilege is one of the deep and vital problems of human society. That there is need of an equalization and apportionment by which all may possess the comforts and privileges of life is evident. The remedy must be legislative readjustment of conditions. The rich too must be merciful to the poor, contributing from willing hearts to their needs without being forced or compelled to do so. The composure of the world will be assured by the establishment of this principle in the religious life of mankind. – Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 107.
This primary Baha’i economic teaching, repeated in many places and contexts by Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha, asks humanity to work together to eliminate the extremes of poverty and wealth. Such a voluntary redistribution of resources does not envision just a simple legislative remedy or coercive, mandatory economic adjustments, however. Instead, it envisions a spiritual reformation of the relationship between the rich and the poor, a new sense of unity and fellowship and interaction, a realization that we are all one human family. Such a voluntary redistribution of resources does not envision just a simple legislative remedy or coercive, mandatory economic adjustments, however. Instead, it envisions a spiritual reformation of the relationship between the rich and the poor, a new sense of unity and fellowship and interaction, a realization that we are all one human family. From a Baha’i perspective, no person should have to labor strenuously for long hours in return for an inadequate subsistence for himself and his dependents. It hinders overall economic development and growth, generates public health crises, can contribute to crime and violence, and ultimately costs more to symptomatically and continuously treat than to eradicate.
Across the world, the Baha’i-minded spirit of philanthropy and voluntary giving has also begun to take hold among the very wealthy and privileged. The spiritual uplift that eradicating poverty brings to all people, the rich and the poor and those in between, generates joy and satisfaction and unity.
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. – Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 131.
