In the simultaneous endeavour to pursue their studies and to delve deeply into the Bahá’í Teachings, believers are enjoined to maintain a keen awareness that the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh is the standard of truth against which all other views and conclusions are to be measured. They are urged to be modest about their accomplishments, and to bear in mind always the statement of Bahá’u’lláh that: The heart must needs therefore be cleansed from the idle sayings of men, and sanctified from every earthly affection, so that it may discover the hidden meaning of divine inspiration, and become the treasury of the mysteries of divine knowledge. (19 October 1993 to an individual believer) [50] 3.2 “Useful” Sciences From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh 51: “It is permissible to study sciences and arts, but such sciences as are...” It is permissible to study sciences and arts, but such sciences as are useful and would redound to the progress and advancement of the people. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Ordainer, the All-Wise. (“Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas”, p. 26) [51] From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 52: “The individual should, prior to engaging in the study of any subject, ask...” The individual should, prior to engaging in the study of any subject, ask himself what its uses are and what fruit and result will derive from it. If it is a useful branch of knowledge, that is, if society will gain important benefits from it, then he should certainly pursue it with all his heart. If not, if it consists in empty, profitless debates and in a vain concatenation of imaginings that lead to no result except acrimony, why devote one’s life to such useless hairsplittings and disputes. (“The Secret of Divine Civilization”, p. 106) [52] From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi 53: “The choice you have made for your course of study is surely most...” The choice you have made for your course of study is surely most interesting and will be of inestimable service in your work for the Cause. Even though every branch of study will have some interest for a Bahá’í who is looking how the spirit of the Cause and of the the new age is awakening the minds, yet a study of the condition of society will better show us the needs of the world, hence the part that the Teachings can play in satisfying them. (5 January 1930 to an individual believer) [53] 54: “Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not...” 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-splittings is meant, not a sound branch of learning like philosophy....