Everything that nurtures prejudice, whether that prejudice
be religious, sectarian, patriotic or political, is a destroyer of the firm
foundation of humanity. Prejudice is the destroyer of human happiness, no
matter what form it assumes. Until existing prejudices pass away it is
impossible for the world of humanity to advance. Everywhere we witness
religious, racial, sectarian, patriotic or political bias or partisanship.
For six thousand years the world of humanity has been
restless and the cause of its restlessness is prejudice. As long as prejudice
remains, warfare will continue, animosity and hatred will prevail. Therefore,
if we seek to establish peace we must cast aside all these prejudices for
otherwise it is impossible to find agreement and composure.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (From a talk, June 9, 1912’ Baptist Temple,
Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)
