There are, as you truly say, many important admirers of the
Faith at present in the U.S.A. -- and, indeed, in other countries, but it is
unlikely such people will actually embrace the Cause; they are not ready to
identify themselves with an as yet struggling Movement with a relatively small
following; moreover, many such people would be unwilling to make the effort
required to live up to Bahá'í standards of conduct! Still, it is excellent that
we are winning more friends and admirers; this in itself helps the Cause and
adds to its prestige, and gradually some of these people may actually make the
sacrifice of entering its service.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 25 February 1947
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation
of Compilations, vol. II, Teaching Prominent People)
