The bulk of humanity now realiseth what a great calamity war
is and how war turneth man into a ferocious animal, causing prosperous cities
and villages to be reduced to ruins and the foundations of the human edifice to
crumble. Now, since all men have been awakened and their ears are attentive, it
is time for the promulgation of universal peace -- a peace based on
righteousness and justice -- that mankind may not be exposed to further dangers
in the future. Now is the dawn of universal peace, and the first streaks of its
light are beginning to appear. We earnestly hope that its effulgent orb may
shine forth and flood the East and the West with its radiance. The
establishment of universal peace is not possible save through the power of the
Word of God...
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations,
vol. II, Peace)
