A Baha'i Perspective on Conscious Capitalism: Working for Individual, Organizational, and Systemic Transformation

Abstract

This essay is a reflection on how core Baháʼí principles relate to the ideals of Conscious Capitalism. We begin with a brief discussion on how the features of modern capitalism have emerged in history, causing reactions, conflicts and challenges leading to the rise of Conscious Capitalism, and noting how this story intersects with the history of the Baháʼí Faith at several pivotal periods. We then outline the story of Conscious Capitalism since its inception and highlight where the Baháʼí teachings converge and diverge with the vision of Michael Strong, one of the initiators of the Conscious Capitalism movement, based on an interview we conducted with him. This sets the stage for our exploration of a Baháʼí approach to Conscious Capitalism, through a reflection on the experience of two Baháʼí business leaders whom we interviewed for this purpose. A Baháʼí approach, we suggest, involves redefining the meaning of capital to cover its social and spiritual dimensions, and sees the business organization as operating within both a micro-environment of individuals and a macro-environment defined by the socio-political system. Thus, building a “conscious capitalist enterprise” involves a dual process of spiritual transformation at the levels of the individual and of the social system. Ultimately, only rebuilding the social order on spiritual foundations will create the conditions for the full flourishing of a spiritually and socially conscious form of capitalism.