…man is said to be the greatest sign of God—that is, he is
the Book of Creation—for all the mysteries of the universe are found in him.
Should he come under the shadow of the true Educator and be rightly trained, he
becomes the gem of gems, the light of lights, and the spirit of spirits; he
becomes the focal centre of divine blessings, the wellspring of spiritual
attributes, the dawning-place of heavenly lights, and the recipient of divine
inspirations. Should he, however, be deprived of this education, he becomes the
embodiment of satanic attributes, the epitome of animal vices, and the source
of all that is oppressive and dark
This is the wisdom of the appearance of the Prophets: to
educate humanity…
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by
‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the
Baha’i World Centre)