Thoughts may be divided into two classes:
(1st) Thought that belongs to the world of thought alone.
(2nd) Thought that expresses itself in action.
Some men and women glory in their exalted thoughts, but if
these thoughts never reach the plane of action they remain useless: the power
of thought is dependent on its manifestation in deeds. A philosopher’s thought
may, however, in the world of progress and evolution, translate itself into the
actions of other people, even when they themselves are unable or unwilling to
show forth their grand ideals in their own lives. To this class the majority of
philosophers belong, their teachings being high above their actions. This is
the difference between philosophers who are Spiritual Teachers, and those who
are mere philosophers: the Spiritual Teacher is the first to follow His own
teaching; He brings down into the world of action His spiritual conceptions and
ideals. His Divine thoughts are made manifest to the world. His thought is
Himself, from which He is inseparable. When we find a philosopher emphasizing
the importance and grandeur of justice, and then encouraging a rapacious
monarch in his oppression and tyranny, we quickly realize that he belongs to
the first class: for he thinks heavenly thoughts and does not practise the
corresponding heavenly virtues.
This state is impossible with Spiritual Philosophers, for
they ever express their high and noble thoughts in actions. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from
a talk, October 18, 2011, Paris)
