A “distinctive power” that God has conferred upon human beings is the “faculty of intellectual investigation”, and the “acquisition of higher knowledge”

God has conferred upon and added to man a distinctive power -- the faculty of intellectual investigation into the secrets of creation, the acquisition of higher knowledge -- the greatest virtue of which is scientific enlightenment. This endowment is the most praiseworthy power of man, for through its employment and exercise the betterment of the human race is accomplished, the development of the virtues of mankind is made possible and the spirit and mysteries of God become manifest. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace)