Know
verily that Knowledge is of two kinds: Divine and Satanic. The one welleth out
from the fountain of divine inspiration; the other is but a reflection of vain
and obscure thoughts. The source of the former is God Himself; the motive-force
of the latter the whisperings of selfish desire. The one is guided by the
principle: “Fear ye God; God will teach you;” [Qur’án 2:282] the other is but a
confirmation of the truth: “Knowledge is the most grievous veil between man and
his Creator.” The former bringeth forth the fruit of patience, of longing
desire, of true understanding, and love; whilst the latter can yield naught but
arrogance, vainglory and conceit. From the sayings of those Masters of holy
utterance, Who have expounded the meaning of true knowledge, the odour of these
dark teachings, which have obscured the world, can in no wise be detected. The
tree of such teachings can yield no result except iniquity and rebellion, and
beareth no fruit but hatred and envy. Its fruit is deadly poison; its shadow a
consuming fire. How well hath it been said: “Cling unto the robe of the Desire
of thy heart, and put thou away all shame; bid the
worldlywise be gone, however great their name.”
- Baha'u'llah (The Kitab-i-Iqan)
