A gentleman connected with the work of a Settlement then
asked what was the best method of raising up and civilizing the very lowest and
most degraded and ignorant of the people and would their education come about
gradually through the enlightenment of the Spirit, or was there any special
means we could adopt to further this end?‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied that the best way was to give them
spiritual teachings and enlightenment. He also remarked that the way to broaden
the outlook of the very narrow-hearted and prejudiced, and to make them listen
to a wider teaching, was by showing towards them the greatest kindness and
love. The example of our lives was of more value than words.
(‘Notes of
conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)
