…everything
can have only one shape, whether it be triangular, square or pentagonal. An
object cannot have different shapes at the same time. For instance, this carpet
is rectangular; is it possible that it can have a circular shape as well? It
cannot. That is possible only if it loses its first form and takes a new one.
Nevertheless, while it is impossible for an object to possess diverse forms at
one and the same time, the spirit of man possesses all forms and has manifold
shapes simultaneously. It has no need to change from one form to another. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, excerpt from a
talk at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Parsons, August 7, 1912, Dublin, USA;
Mahmud’s Diary)
