In accordance with the divine teachings in this glorious
dispensation we should not belittle anyone and call him ignorant, saying: ‘You
know not, but I know’. Rather, we should look upon others with respect, and
when attempting to explain and demonstrate, we should speak as if we are
investigating the truth, saying: ‘Here these things are before us. Let us
investigate to determine where and in what form the truth can be found.’ The
teacher should not consider himself as learned and others ignorant. Such a
thought breedeth pride, and pride is not conducive to influence. The teacher
should not see in himself any superiority; he should speak with the utmost
kindliness, lowliness and humility, for such speech exerteth influence and
educateth the souls.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
