In the world of existence, civilization is found to be of
two kinds: material civilization and spiritual civilization. Philosophers
founded the former while the divine Prophets established the latter. For
instance, the philosophers of Greece established a material civilization
whereas Christ established a spiritual civilization. Material civilization is
the cause of worldly prosperity but divine civilization is the means of eternal
prosperity. If divine civilization, which is all-encompassing, is established,
then material civilization will also attain perfection. When spiritual
perfection is attained, then physical perfection is a certainty. Material civilization
alone does not suffice and does not become the means of acquiring spiritual
virtues. Rather, it leads to an increase in wars and disputes and becomes the
cause of bloodshed and ruin. Despite all this, it is surprising that divine
civilization has been completely forgotten and the people are constantly
submerged in a sea of materialism. This is why night and day they have no peace
and are engaged in war and killing. Every day there is bloodshed and ruin,
suffering and distress, preparation for a universal war and the destruction of
mankind.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk at San Francisco’s Jewish Temple,
October 19, Los Angeles, USA, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
