All created
things are captives of nature and subject to its laws. They cannot transgress
the control of these laws in one detail or particular. The infinite starry
worlds and heavenly bodies are nature’s obedient subjects. The earth and its
myriad organisms, all minerals, plants and animals are thralls of its dominion.
But man through the exercise of his scientific, intellectual power can rise out
of this condition, can modify, change and control nature according to his own
wishes and uses. Science, so to speak, is the breaker of the laws of nature.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk at
Columbia University, New York, 19 April 1912; ‘The Promulgation of
Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United
States and Canada in 1912’)
