With whatever purpose you listen to music, that purpose will
be increased. For instance: there will be a concert given for the poor and
unfortunate, and if you go there thinking of the aim, the music will increase
your compassion and generosity. This is the reason why music is used in war.
And so it is with all the things that cause the excitation of the nerves.
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá' (Words to Mrs. Mary L. Lucas, as quoted in "A Brief Account
of My Visit to Acca" (Chicago: Bahá'í Publishing Society, 1905), pp.
11-14; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Music)
