We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment
outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be
improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment
and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every
abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions.
No movement in the world directs its attention upon both
these aspects of human life and has full measures for their improvement save
the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. And this is its distinctive feature. If we desire
therefore the good of the world we should strive to spread those teachings and
also practice them in our own life. Through them will the human heart be
changed and also our social environment provides the atmosphere in which we can
grow spiritually and reflect in full the light of God shining through the
revelation of Bahá'u'lláh.
- Shoghi Effendi (From letter dated 17 February 1933 written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of
Compilations, Vol. 3, Social and Economic Development)
