The individual is not merely a self-interested economic
unit, striving to claim an ever-greater share of the world’s material
resources. “Man’s merit lieth in service and virtue”, Bahá’u’lláh avers, “and
not in the pageantry of wealth and riches.” And further: “Dissipate not the
wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt affection, nor
let your endeavours be spent in promoting your personal interest.” By
consecrating oneself to the service of others, one finds meaning and purpose in
life and contributes to the upliftment of society itself.
- The Universal House
of Justice (From a message dated 1 March 2017)
