All the existing nations had a divine foundation of truth or
reality originally, which was intended to be conducive to the unity and accord
of mankind, but the light of that reality gradually became obscured. The
darkness of superstitions and imitations came and took its place, binding the
world of humanity in the chains and fetters of ignorance. Enmity arose among
men, increasing to such an extent that nation strove against nation in hatred
and violence. War has been a religious and political human heritage.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 21 April 1912, Washington, DC; ‘The Promulgation of
Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United
States and Canada in 1912’)
