When man allows the spirit, through his soul, to enlighten his understanding, then does he contain all Creation... But on the other hand, when man does not open his mind and heart to the blessing of the spirit, but turns his soul towards the material side, towards the bodily part of his nature, then is he fallen from his high place and he becomes inferior to the inhabitants of the lower animal kingdom....
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912’, The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, The Importance of Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude)
