If an opponent object, saying: The nations, peoples, tribes
and sects of the world have different ethics, morals, conducts, tastes and
temperaments and their thoughts and opinions vary, how then can real unity
become realized or absolute accord among humanity be established? We will say
that difference (or disagreement) is of two kinds: One sort is the cause of
annihilation and that is like the disagreement of warring nations and fighting
tribes who destroy one another, ruin homes and cause comfort and peace to
depart, exhibiting ferocity and blood thirstiness. The other difference (or
disagreement) is an expression of variety that is itself perfection, and the
means of manifesting the graces of the All-Glorious.
Look at the flowers of the gardens. Although members of
different families, having various colors, different forms and shapes, yet
because they absorb the selfsame water and grow and thrive by the same breeze
and are reared by the same heat and light of the one sun, this difference and
variety produces greater beauty and grace and each appears more beautiful by
contrast with the other.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol.
6, no. 9, August 20, 1915)
