It is with deep concern indeed that he has learned of the
difficulties you have encountered in your business, and [he] was particularly
grieved to hear of the bitter competition you are meeting from some Persians in
New York, who seem determined to ruin and force you out of business, despite
the fact that you have shown them kindness, and refused to deal with them
harshly. Though the Guardian would advise that you continue keeping such [a]
true Bahá'í attitude of forbearance, he wishes you at the same time not to give
way, and not to allow any threat on their part to discourage or demoralize you.
However unethical the methods they may employ, it should be your firm
conviction that such malicious devices cannot in the long run succeed, and that
the most effective way of counteracting them is for you to maintain
unreservedly the one true standard of business conduct inculcated in the
Teachings.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter date 31 October 1938 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I,
Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá'í Virtue)
