In the first Fireside entitled “Why Life”, the most basic questions of existence are both asked and answered. In the collection of his table talks entitled Some Answered Questions, Abdu’l-Baha builds a foundation for an understanding of the creation and purpose of the existence of all the levels or kingdoms within the natural world. These explanations actually form the basis for the study of the planet earth and all life upon it.
The first is the mineral kingdom which forms the most elemental atomic/energetic level, the study of which encompasses Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Mineralogy and Geography and crosses over into areas of learning such as Archeology and Paleontology among others.
The second is the plant or vegetable kingdom. From the understanding given by Abdu’l-Baha, the student can find their way into Botony and a wealth of other’s such as Horticulture, Herbology and the study of Herbal Medicine for example.
Third in the hierarchy of earthly realms as explained by Abdu’l-Baha is the animal kingdom. Learning about the animal kingdom and its dependency upon the plant and mineral kingdoms respectively is the beginning of knowledge in the schools of Zoology, General Biology, Ecology and Animal Husbandry or true stewardship of our God-given earthly resources, an art and science which mankind is, especially today, badly in need of deepening understanding.
The fourth kingdom is that of the human. The explanation of this kingdom given by Abdu’l-Baha opens the door to the study of all Social Sciences, the Arts and Psychology, Anthropology, Archeology and History to name only the most basic. Further advancement from this is made into the deeper study of Philosophy and Religious Thought.
With this as the foundation for understanding the structure of creation, answers to questions and proofs of the reality of God are given and expounded upon. Proofs for the Divine Plan and those who revealed it to humanity are provided which open the door to the study of religious, cultural and literary History as well.
The first Fireside, “Why Life”, encompasses much more than these schools of study and is yet only the beginning of a true Baha’i education. The complete Fireside series is always given free of any price by any Baha’i acting under the Provisions of the Covenant of Baha’u’llah as given on page ten of the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha.