Diligence

Diligence is one of the seven heavenly virtues. Diligent behavior is indicative of a work ethic – a belief that work is good in itself. Diligence is carefulness and persistent effort or work.

See also: The seven heavenly virtues

In students

Bernard et al. suggest diligence in a student is defined as an effort he or she puts towards balanced and holistic development in mental, physical, social and spiritual dimensions. They find diligence in students is correlated with academic performance. This is especially found in younger students. The support of parents and educators encourages students to be diligent. Other factors which encourage diligence in students include motivation, discipline, concentration, responsibility and devotedness.

In Buddhism

The last words of the Buddha were “Strive on with diligence.” Diligence is an integral part of all Buddhist teaching, and is considered a fourth of the pāramitā. In Mahayana tradition diligence is the third pāramitā and the first which is said to lead to liberation. The practice of diligence will bring an increase of qualities.

Diligence

In Christianity

Diligence, in Christianity, is the effort to do one’s part, while keeping faith and reliance in God. 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.

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, 

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, 

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

In Hinduism

According to Brian Hatcher, the precepts of Hinduism require a human being to discover and live a dharmic life. To live a dharmic life, one must live with right intention with diligence, and with concern for well being of others. The Hindus celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights, where Goddess Lakshmi (also called Goddess Sri) is worshipped; the goddess symbolizes thorough preparation, being organized, diligent and honest. These characteristics are considered by Hindus as essential for success and Shubh Labh (ethical profit).

Who so performeth – diligent, content – the work allotted him, whatever it be, lays hold of perfectness! — the Gita 18:45

Due diligence

Due diligence

Due diligence is the necessary amount of diligence required in a professional activity to avoid being negligent. This 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.

Due diligence is the investigation or exercise of care that a reasonable business or person is expected to take before entering into an agreement or contract with another party, or an act with a certain standard of care.

It can be a legal obligation, but the term will more commonly apply to voluntary investigations. A common example of due diligence in various industries is the process through which a potential acquirer evaluates a target company or its assets for an acquisition. The theory behind due diligence holds that performing this type of investigation contributes significantly to informed decision making by enhancing the amount and quality of information available to decision makers and by ensuring that this information is systematically used to deliberate on the decision at hand and all its costs, benefits, and risks.

Adapted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia