…social inequality is the inevitable outcome of the natural
inequality of men. Human beings are different in ability and should, therefore,
be different in their social and economic standing. Extremes of wealth and
poverty should, however, be totally abolished. Those whose brains have
contributed to the creation and improvement of the means of production must be
fairly rewarded, though these means may be owned and controlled by others.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 26 December 1935, written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; compilation: ‘The Redistribution of
Wealth – Some Specific Measures’, prepared by the Research Department of the
Universal House of Justice)
