December 3

All we know is that the Lesser and the Most Great Peace will come -- their exact dates we do not know. The same is true as regards the possibility of a future war; we cannot state dogmatically it will or will not take place -- all we know is that mankind must suffer and be punished sufficiently to make it turn to God. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter date 29 July 1974 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)