The life of man is useful if he attains the perfections of
man. If he becomes the center of the imperfections of the world of humanity,
death is better than life, and nonexistence better than existence. Therefore,
make ye an effort in order that these children may be rightly trained and
educated and that each one of them may attain perfection in the world of
humanity. Know ye the value of these children, for they are all my children.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks
Delivered by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in
1912’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things)