Material civilization is like unto the lamp, while spiritual
civilization is the light in that lamp. If the material and spiritual
civilization become united, then we will have the light and the lamp together,
and the outcome will be perfect. For material civilization is like unto a
beautiful body, and spiritual civilization is like unto the spirit of life. If
that wondrous spirit of life enters this beautiful body, the body will become a
channel for the distribution and development of the perfections of humanity.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 14 April 1912, Church of the Ascension, New York;
‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during
His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
