The crisis that exists in the world is not confined to the farmers. Its effects have reached every means of livelihood. The farmers are in a sense better off because they at least have food to eat. But on the whole the crisis is serving a great purpose. It is broadening the outlook of man, teaching him to think internationally, forcing him to take into consideration the welfare of his neighbours if he wishes to improve his own condition. In short it is forcing humanity to appreciate the significance of and follow the precepts laid by Bahá'u'lláh. (February 3, 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; compilation ‘Agriculture and Rural Life’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)
