…the honour and exaltation of man must be something more
than material riches. Material comforts are only a branch, but the root of the
exaltation of man is the good attributes and virtues which are the adornments
of his reality. These are the divine appearances, the heavenly bounties, the
sublime emotions, the love and knowledge of God; universal wisdom, intellectual
perception, scientific discoveries, justice, equity, truthfulness, benevolence,
natural courage and innate fortitude; the respect for rights and the keeping of
agreements and covenants; rectitude in all circumstances; serving the truth
under all conditions; the sacrifice of one's life for the good of all people;
kindness and esteem for all nations; obedience to the teachings of God; service
in the Divine Kingdom; the guidance of the people, and the education of the
nations and races. This is the prosperity of the human world! This is the
exaltation of man in the world! This is eternal life and heavenly honour!
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Some Answered Question’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol.
I, Conservation of the Earth's Resources)
