Today the greatest need of the world of humanity is
discontinuance of the existing misunderstandings among nations. This can be
accomplished through the unity of language. Unless the unity of languages is
realized, the Most Great Peace and the oneness of the human world cannot be
effectively organized and established because the function of language is to
portray the mysteries and secrets of human hearts. The heart is like a box, and
language is the key. Only by using the key can we open the box and observe the
gems it contains. Therefore, the question of an auxiliary international tongue
has the utmost importance.... It is my hope that it may be perfected through
the bounties of God and that intelligent men may be selected from the various
countries of the world to organize an international congress whose chief aim
will be the promotion of this universal medium of speech. - ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘The
Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His
Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’; The Compilation of
Compilations, Vol. II, Peace)
