44: "Although to acquire the sciences and arts is the greatest glory
of..."
Although to acquire the sciences and arts is the greatest glory of
mankind, this is so only on condition that man's river floweth into the
mighty Sea, and draweth from God's ancient source His inspiration. When
this cometh to pass, then every teacher is as a shoreless ocean, every
pupil a prodigal fountain of knowledge. If, then, the pursuit of knowledge
leadeth to the beauty of Him Who is the object of all knowledge, how
excellent that goal; but if not, a mere drop will perhaps shut a man off
from flooding grace, for with learning cometh arrogance and pride, and it
bringeth on error and indifference to God.
The sciences of today are bridges to reality; if then they lead not to
reality, naught remains but fruitless illusion. By the one true God! If
learning be not a means of access to Him, the Most Manifest, it is nothing
but evident loss.
("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", section 72) [44]
45: "And every branch of learning, conjoined with the love of God, is
approved..."
And every branch of learning, conjoined with the love of God, is approved
and worthy of praise; but bereft of His love, learning is barren--indeed,
it bringeth on madness. Every kind of knowledge, every science, is as a
tree: if the fruit of it be the love of God, then is it a blessed tree,
but if not, that tree is but dried-up wood, and shall only feed the fire.
("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", section 154) [45]
46: "Scientific knowledge is the highest attainment upon the human
plane,..."
Scientific knowledge is the highest attainment upon the human plane, for
science is the discoverer of realities. It is of two kinds: material and
spiritual. Material science is the investigation of natural phenomena;
divine science is the discovery and realization of spiritual verities. The
world of humanity must acquire both. A bird has two wings; it cannot fly
with one. Material and spiritual science are the two wings of human uplift
and attainment. Both are necessary--one the natural, the other
supernatural; one material, the other divine. By the divine we mean the
discovery of the mysteries of God, the comprehension of spiritual
realities, the wisdom of God, inner significances of the heavenly
religions and foundation of the law.
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace", p. 138) [46]