abian Philosophy

Weight is used here in the sense of "that person carries weight with his fellow workers." A person who carries weight is a person who others can trust to say things that make sense and execute his decisions with competency and thoroughness. This kind of person not only has theoretical knowledge about situations but he has the practical know-how to handle them competently. It is for this reason that he is respected and "carries weight."

Sabian philosophy teaches that every human being has vast potential. Unfortunately this promise often lies fallow because the individual lacks the proper incentive and determination to actualize this potential. Acquiring wealth is an example of a potential that is actualized by the industrious person. The point here is to realize that something known only in principle is of little value unless it is actualized or made real in the world of every day.

This approach to creative living is based on Ibn Gabirol’s Fountain of Life Book V, Chapter 11. Here the Teacher continues his emphasis on his underlying thesis -- that all things are composed of matter and form. Of the two, matter is the potential component and form, or intelligence, is the active component. Matter cannot act; it can only be acted upon. An example of this is the potential to amass wealth. Everyone has the capacity in one way or another, but it is only the industrious person who acquires it. In this example, wealth as such is the passive or potential matter. The form or active component is the person with industry.

A practical application of the concept of weight would be to actualize something of value -- tangible or intangible -- by demonstrating or sharing it with another. For example, if you are convinced that being kind is a worthwhile virtue, actualize it by showing someone a kindness.