It is extremely difficult to teach the individual and refine
his character once puberty is passed. By then, as experience hath shown, even
if every effort be exerted to modify some tendency of his, it all availeth
nothing. He may, perhaps, improve somewhat today; but let a few days pass and
he forgetteth, and turneth backward to his habitual condition and accustomed
ways. Therefore it is in early childhood that a firm foundation must be laid.
While the branch is green and tender it can easily be made straight.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
