The first utterance of Him Who is the All-Wise is this: O children of dust! Turn your faces from the darkness of estrangement to the effulgent light of the daystar of unity. This is that which above all else will benefit the peoples of the earth. O friend! Upon the tree of utterance there hath never been, nor shall there ever be, a fairer leaf, and beneath the ocean of knowledge no pearl more wondrous can ever be found.Baha’u’llah-Tablet to Mánikchí Ṣáḥib
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Know thou that all the powers combined have not the power to
establish universal peace, nor to withstand the overmastering dominion,
at every time and season, of these endless wars. Erelong, however, shall
the power of heaven, the dominion of the Holy Spirit, hoist on the high
summits the banners of love and peace, and there above the castles of
majesty and might shall those banners wave in the rushing winds that
blow out of the tender mercy of God.Abdu’l-Baha-Selections 146 exc.
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In the estimation of God there is no
distinction of color; all are one in the color and beauty of servitude
to Him. Color is not important; the heart is all-important. It matters
not what the exterior may be if the heart be pure and white within. God
does not behold differences of hue and complexion; He looks at the
hearts. He whose morals and virtues are praiseworthy is preferred in the
presence of God; he who is devoted to the Kingdom is most beloved. In
the realm of genesis and creation the question of color is of least
importance.Abdu’l-Baha-Foundations Of World Unity, Subsection-Racial Harmony
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Difference of capacity in human individuals
is fundamental. It is impossible for all to be alike, all to be equal,
all to be wise. Bahá’u’lláh has revealed principles and laws which will
accomplish the adjustment of varying human capacities. He has said that
whatsoever is possible of accomplishment in human government will be
effected through these principles. When the laws he has instituted are
carried out there will be no millionaires possible in the community and
likewise no extremely poor. This will be effected and regulated by
adjusting the different degrees of human capacity. The fundamental basis
of the community is agriculture, tillage of the soil. All must be
producers. Each person in the community whose income is equal to his
individual producing capacity shall be exempt from taxation. But if his
income is greater than his needs he must pay a tax until an adjustment
is effected. That is to say, a man’s capacity for production and his
needs will be equalized and reconciled through taxation. If his
production exceeds he will pay no tax; if his necessities exceed his
production he shall receive an amount sufficient to equalize or adjust.
Therefore taxation will be proportionate to capacity and production and
there will be no poor in the community.Abdu’l-Baha-Foundations Of World Unity, Subsection-The Spirit Of Justice
The Foundation Stones Of World Unity