The foremost degree of comprehension in the world of nature
is that of the rational soul. This power and comprehension is shared in common
by all men, whether they be heedless or aware, wayward or faithful. In the
creation of God, the rational soul of man encompasses and is distinguished
above all other created things: It is by virtue of its nobility and distinction
that it encompasses them all. Through the power of the rational soul, man can
discover the realities of things, comprehend their properties, and penetrate
the mysteries of existence. All the sciences, branches of learning, arts,
inventions, institutions, undertakings, and discoveries have resulted from the
comprehension of the rational soul. These were once impenetrable secrets,
hidden mysteries, and unknown realities, and the rational soul gradually
discovered them and brought them out of the invisible plane into the realm of
the visible. This is the greatest power of comprehension in the world of
nature, and the uttermost limit of its flight is to comprehend the realities,
signs, and properties of contingent things.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Table talks in Akka, authenticated
by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the
Baha’i World Centre)
