Although to acquire the sciences and arts is the greatest
glory of mankind, this is so only on condition that man's river floweth into
the mighty Sea, and draweth from God's ancient source His inspiration. When
this cometh to pass, then every teacher is as a shoreless ocean, every pupil a
prodigal fountain of knowledge. If, then, the pursuit of knowledge leadeth to
the beauty of Him Who is the object of all knowledge, how excellent that goal;
but if not, a mere drop will perhaps shut a man off from flooding grace, for
with learning cometh arrogance and pride, and it bringeth on error and
indifference to God.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of
'Abdu'l-Bahá; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)
