Galien, a
Greek Philosopher who died at the time when the Christian Religion was in its
growth - and was not himself a Christian - wrote many books about material
civilization and development. He states as his belief that Religion is the
basis of all true civilization, that is to say that not only must the brain and
gifts of a nation be educated, but also the moral character. The Christians; he
points out, are an example to show the truth of this theory, for theirs was the
basis upon which the largest and most prosperous civilization of the world had
been founded and their morals were very high. They were taught not to fear
death, and to love their neighbours as themselves and live only for the good of
humanity, and only to think of doing good to mankind.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, October 20, 1911,
Paris, France; ‘Star of the West Vol. 2, no. 16, December 31, 1911)
