The diversity in the
human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where
many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you
meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and
withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and
show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the
beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them.
Likewise, when you
meet those whose opinions differ from your own, do not turn away your face from
them. All are seeking truth, and there are many roads leading thereto. Truth
has many aspects, but it remains always and forever one. Do not allow difference
of opinion, or diversity of thought to separate you from your fellow-men, or to
be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife in your hearts. Rather, search diligently for the truth and
make all men your friends.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, October 28, 1911, Paris;
‘Paris Talks’)
