All blessings are divine in origin, but none can be compared
with this power of intellectual investigation and research, which is an eternal
gift producing fruits of unending delight. Man is ever partaking of these
fruits. All other blessings are temporary; this is an everlasting possession.
Even sovereignty has its limitations and overthrow; this is a kingship and
dominion which none may usurp or destroy. Briefly, it is an eternal blessing
and divine bestowal, the supreme gift of God to man. Therefore, you should put
forward your most earnest efforts toward the acquisition of science and arts.
The greater your attainment, the higher your standard in the divine purpose.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 23 April 1912, Washington D.C.; ‘The Promulgation
of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the
United States and Canada in 1912’)
