Diligence

For other uses, see Diligence (disambiguation).

"Hard work" redirects here. For other uses, see Hard work (disambiguation).

"Diligent" redirects here. Not to be confused with The Diligent (book).

Diligence—carefulness and persistent effort or work—is one of the seven heavenly virtues. It is indicative of a work ethic, the belief that work is good in itself.^[1]

Diligence. The whip and spurs signify a drive to steadfastly move forward with one's means.

In students

Bernard et al.^[2] suggest that diligence in students is defined as the effort they put towards balanced and holistic development in mental, physical, social and spiritual dimensions. They find that it correlates with academic performance, especially with younger students, and that the support of parents and educators encourages students to be diligent.^[3] Other factors that encourage student diligence include motivation, discipline, concentration, responsibility and devotedness.^[2]

In Buddhism

The last words of the Buddha were, "Strive on with diligence." Diligence is an integral part of all Buddhist teaching, and considered the fourth of the pāramitā. In Mahayana tradition, diligence is the third pāramitā and the first said to lead to liberation, and it is said that its practice brings an increase of qualities.^[4]

In Christianity

In Christianity, diligence is the effort to do one's part while keeping faith and reliance in God.^[5] In other words, diligence and faith are two sides of a mystery. One does not know how, despite one's effort, it all works out; but diligence, when combined with faith, assures spiritual success. Diligence as one of seven virtues describes thoroughness, completeness, and persistence of an action, particularly in matters of faith.^[6]

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

— Hebrews 6:11-12, ^[7]

In Islam

That man can have nothing but what he strives for; That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight: Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete.

— the Quran, ^[8]

Surah At-Taubah, Verse 105:

وَقُلِ اعْمَلُوا فَسَيَرَى اللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمْ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَسَتُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

And say (unto them): Act! Allah will behold your actions, and (so will) His messenger and the believers, and ye will be brought back to the Knower of the Invisible and the Visible, and He will tell you what ye used to do.

— The Quran : 9-105, ^[9]

In Hinduism

According to Brian Hatcher, the precepts of Hinduism require a person to discover and live a dharmic life, in which they live with right intention with diligence, and with concern for the well-being of others.^[10][11] The Hindus celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights, where Goddess Lakshmi (also called Goddess Sri) is worshipped, who symbolizes thorough preparation, organization, diligence and honesty.^[12] Hindus consider these characteristics essential for success and Shubh Labh (ethical profit).^[13]

Who so performeth – diligent, content – the work allotted him, whatever it be, lays hold of perfectness!

— the Gita 18:45, ^[14]

Due diligence

Main article: Due diligence

Due diligence is the amount of diligence required to avoid negligence in professional activities. It commonly arises in major acquisitions where the legal principle of caveat emptor ("let the buyer beware") requires the purchaser to make diligent inquiries about the property or service being sold.^[15]

See also

• Acedia
• Laziness
• Orderliness
• Sloth
• Virtue

References

1. Keith E. Thurley; Sek Hong Ng (1997), "The Concept of the Work Ethic", Work and society, Hong Kong University Press, pp. 136–137, ISBN 978-962-209-391-1
2. H Bernard; DD Drake; JJ Pace (1996), "Student-Centered Educational Reform: The Impact of Parental and Educator Support of Student Diligence" (PDF), School Community Journal
3. Christon G Arthur (2002), Student Diligence and Student Diligence Support: Predictors of Academic Success. (PDF)
4. Je Gampopa (1994), Gems of Dharma, Jewels of Freedom, Altea Publishing, p. 163, ISBN 978-0-9524555-0-9
5. How do we live the Christian Life? November 4, 2013, at the Wayback Machine David Sper (2002)
6. Andreas J. Kšstenberger (2011), Excellence: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue, ISBN 978-1-58134-910-8, pp 88–90
7. The Holy Bible: New International Version. International Bible Society, (1973), The Letter of Paul to the Hebrew 6:11–12
8. An-Najm 53:39–41
9. The Quran (English - Pickthal), Surah At-Taubah - chapter 9 - v105
10. Brian Hatcher (2008), Bourgeois Hinduism or Faith of the Modern Vedantists, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-532608-6, page 80–82
11. Hatcher, B. A. (2007). Bourgeois Vedānta: The Colonial Roots of Middle-class Hinduism. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 75(2), 298–323.
12. Hinduism Stephen Bigger (1990), University of Worcester, UK
13. Sharma, S. (2002). Corporate Rishi Leadership Model: An Indian Model for Corporate Development & Ethical Leadership. Human Resource Development in Asia: Trends & Challenges', edited by Udai Pareek, Aahad M. Osman-Gani, S. Ramanarayan & TV Rao, Oxford & IBH, New Delhi, pp 291–296
14. "Bhagavad Gita (Ft. Sir Edwin Arnold & Vyasa) – Chapter 18". Genius. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
15. N. J. Margetson (2008), "What is meant by "due diligence"?", The system of liability of articles III and IV of the Hague (Visby) Rules, pp. 43 et seq, ISBN 9789077320594

External links

•   Quotations related to Diligence at Wikiquote
•   The dictionary definition of diligence at Wiktionary