It is evident that the subject of the suffering poor and the
pampered rich has been, and will continue to be, discussed by the world's
scholars and philosophers, but so far they have not found a solution to this
difficult problem. Whatever you witness in this world, such as evidences of
mighty upheavals and omens of future events, all revolve around this pivot,
that is, the groaning and the agitation of the poor on the one hand, and the
excessive wealth and affluence of the rich on the other. This conflict and
clash of interests will remain unchanged until such time as the laws and
commandments revealed by the Pen of the Most High in this regard are executed
and enforced, and the solution of the economic problems based on spiritual
principles becomes possible. Then will there be peace between the rich and the
poor, or between the forces of capital and labour. Then will the poor gain
their legitimate right of having their necessary and essential needs satisfied,
and the rich will be able to spend their wealth as they please, free of fear
for their lives and property.
(From a letter dated 22 May 1928 written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, translated from Persian; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Economics, Agriculture, and Related
Subjects)
