The responsibility of young believers is very great, as they
must not only fit themselves to inherit the work of the older Bahá'ís and carry
on the affairs of the Cause in general, but the world which lies ahead of them
— as promised by Bahá'u'lláh — will be a world chastened by its sufferings,
ready to listen to His Divine Message at last; and consequently a very high
character will be expected of the exponents of such a religion. To deepen their
knowledge, to perfect themselves in the Bahá'í standards of virtue and upright
conduct, should be the paramount duty of every young Bahá'í.
- Shoghi Effendi (In a letter
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 6 June 1941 to the Bahá'í youth of Bombay,
India, published in "Dawn of a New Day"; The Compilation of Compilations,
vol. I, Excellence in All Things)
