We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment
outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be
improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment
and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every
abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions. No
movement in the world directs its attention upon both these aspects of human
life and has full measures for their improvement, save the teachings of
Bahá'u'lláh. And this is its distinctive feature. If we desire therefore the
good of the world we should strive to spread those teachings and also practise
them in our own life. Through them will the human heart be changed, and also
our social environment provides the atmosphere in which we can grow spiritually
and reflect in full the light of God shining through the revelation of
Bahá'u'lláh.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Conservation of the Earth's Resources)
