If a man is successful in his business, art, or profession
he is thereby enabled to increase his physical wellbeing and to give his body
the amount of ease and comfort in which it delights. All around us today we see
how man surrounds himself with every modern convenience and luxury, and denies
nothing to the physical and material side of his nature. But, take heed, lest
in thinking too earnestly of the things of the body you forget the things of
the soul: for material advantages do not elevate the spirit of a man.
Perfection in worldly things is a joy to the body of a man but in no wise does
it glorify his soul.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, November 2, 1911, ‘Paris
Talks’)
