The Mysterious Forces of Civilization is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that delves into the concept of civilization and the factors that contribute to its development and sustenance. 'Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abbás presents a comprehensive analysis of the spiritual, social, and intellectual forces that shape human society and propel it towards progress.

One of the key strengths of the book is the author's ability to seamlessly integrate spiritual insights with practical examples from history and contemporary society. The result is a compelling argument for the importance of moral and ethical principles in building a just and harmonious civilization.

Furthermore, 'Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abbás's writing style is clear and engaging, making complex concepts accessible to a wide audience. The book is well-organized and structured, with each chapter building upon the previous one to offer a coherent and comprehensive perspective on the topic.

Overall, The Mysterious Forces of Civilization is a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamics of society and the role of spirituality in human progress. It is a powerful and inspiring work that challenges readers to reflect on their own values and actions, and to strive for a better world for all.

Book Description:
The Mysterious Forces of Civilization (Persian: Risálih-i-Madaníyyih) is a work written before 1875 by ‘Abbás Effendí, known as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (the Servant of Bahá) (1844-1921). The Persian text was first lithographed in Bombay in 1882 and printed in Cairo in 1911. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son and appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. The original text of this work was written and published anonymously, and the first English translation (by Johanna Dawud) was published in London in 1910 and Chicago in 1918, under the title ‘Mysterious Forces of Civilization’ written by "an Eminent Bahai Philosopher." This audiobook is based on the 1918 edition. Another translation was completed by Marzieh Gail and published in 1957, with an introduction by Horace Holley. The title was re-translated as “The Secret of Divine Civilization”. The book was widely known in its time as an attempt to improve the degraded condition of Persia (Iran). The author frequently references current issues that were being debated, such as whether to modernize and accept Western technology, or to reject Western culture and rely on technology developed in Persia and the Islamic world.