Superiority
It is a great mistake to believe that because people are illiterate or live primitive lives, they are lacking in either intelligence or sensibility. On the contrary, they may well look on us with the evils of our civilization, with its moral corruption, its ruinous wars, its hypocrisy and conceit, as people who merit watching with both suspicion and contempt. We should meet them as equals, well-wishers, people who admire and respect their ancient decent, and who feel that they will be interested as we are in a living religion and not in the dead forms of present-day churches.
- Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, p. 523
Therefore, no one should glorify himself over another; no one should manifest pride or superiority toward another; no one should look upon another with scorn and contempt; and no one should deprive or oppress a fellow creature.
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 62
Erelong shall your days pass away, as shall pass away the days of those who now, with flagrant pride, vaunt themselves over their neighbor. Soon shall ye be gathered together in the presence of God, and shall be asked of your doings, and shall be repaid for what your hands have wrought, and wretched the abode of the wicked doers!
- Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 225
Of all men the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh to advance himself over his brother.
- Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words, Persian 5
Meekness and humility are the hallmarks of faith. As soon as a believer feels himself the least degree superior to others, the beginning of his spiritual decline has set in, all unaware to himself.
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Scriptures, p. 449-450
Quote of the Day
Istijlal 17 Sharaf 182 B.E.
Thou knowest that the people are encircled with pain and calamities and are environed with hardships and trouble. Every trial doth attack man and every dire adversity doth assail him like unto the assault of a serpent. There is no shelter and asylum for him except under the wing of Thy protection, preservation, guard and custody.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá – Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá v3, p. 619