…we perceive that men are carried away by passion and
selfishness, each man thinking only of what will benefit himself even if it
means the ruin of his brother. They are all anxious to make their fortune and
care little or nothing for the welfare of others. They are concerned about
their own peace and comfort, while the condition of their fellows troubles them
not at all.
Unhappily this is the road most men tread. But Bahá’ís must
not be thus; they must rise above this condition. Actions must be more to them
than words. By their actions they must be merciful and not merely by their
words. They must on all occasions confirm by their actions what they proclaim
in words. Their deeds must prove their fidelity, and their actions must show
forth Divine light.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 8 November 1911, Paris, ‘Paris
Talks’)
