If spiritual forces prevail, this human reality becomes the
noblest of all creatures and the possessor of the image and likeness of God;
but if the animal aspect predominates, man becomes lower than animals because
in man, animal desires and passions are even stronger and more harmful. For
instance, anger, lust, struggle for existence, war, contention, fraud, deception,
greed and avarice are among the imperfections of man but the necessary
qualities in animals. A crafty man without spiritual education is as the fox.
In the animal we find covetousness, aggression and passion. These qualities are
also in man. Since the reality of man is comprehensive, his expression of these
animal qualities is more vehement. They are among the exigencies of the world
of nature and lead to the gloom of imperfections. They are the cause of utter
degradation and misfortune.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, December 4,
New York, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
