Now ponder this: Animals, despite the fact that they lack
reason and understanding, do not make colors the cause of conflict. Why should
man, who has reason, create conflict? This is wholly unworthy of him.
Especially white and black are the descendants of the same Adam; they belong to
one household. In origin they were one; they were the same color. Adam was of
one color. Eve had one color. All humanity is descended from them. Therefore,
in origin they are one. These colors developed later due to climates and
regions; they have no significance whatsoever. Therefore, today I am very happy
that white and black have gathered together in this meeting. I hope this coming
together and harmony reaches such a degree that no distinctions shall remain
between them, and they shall be together in the utmost harmony and love.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (From
a talk by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 23 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’)
