A chaste and holy life must be made the controlling
principle in the behavior and conduct of all Bahá'ís, both in their social
relations with the members of their own community, and in their contact with
the world at large. It must adorn and reinforce the ceaseless labors and
meritorious exertions of those whose enviable position is to propagate the
Message, and to administer the affairs, of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. It must be
upheld, in all its integrity and implications, in every phase of the life of
those who fill the ranks of that Faith, whether in their homes, their travels,
their clubs, their societies, their entertainments, their schools, and their
universities. It must be accorded special consideration in the conduct of the
social activities of every Bahá'í summer school and any other occasions on
which Bahá'í community life is organized and fostered. It must be closely and
continually identified with the mission of the Bahá'í youth, both as an element
in the life of the Bahá'í community, and as a factor in the future progress and
orientation of the youth of their own country.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a message dated 25 December 1938, published in "The Advent of Divine
Justice"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All
Things)
