… It is becoming evident that the world is not yet through with its labour, the New Age not yet fully born, real Peace not yet right around the corner. We must have no illusions about how much depends on us and our success or failure. All humanity is disturbed and suffering and confused; we cannot expect to not be disturbed and not to suffer—but we don’t have to be confused. On the contrary, confidence and assurance, hope and optimism are our prerogative. The successful carrying out of our various Plans is the greatest sign we can give of our faith and inner assurance, and the best way we can help our fellow-men out of their confusion and difficulties.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 9 April 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly, quoted in a letter dated 24 November 2020, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; US Baha’i National Administrative website)
