To a railroad man He said:
You are paving the material roads. May you become able to straighten the pathway to heaven. That is more important. Straighten the path for the Kingdom of God is nigh. Be a heavenly lineman.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Ahmad Sohrab, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in Britain, 1913’)
Looking after one's health is done with two intentions:
First: Man may take good care of his body with the intention of satisfying his personal wishes.
Second: Or he may look after his health with the good intention of serving humanity and of living long enough to discharge one's duty towards mankind.
The latter is most commendable.
A teacher shall sleep at night with the thought that the next day he may be refreshed in order to do his duty more fully in relation to teaching his pupils. Therefore Mrs. -- must take good care of her health. Just look at Mr. --'s very good health - see how much work he can do, how much work he can stand! Whatever work is referred to him, he can discharge it fully.
But remember that the essential health is spiritual heath, for by means of spiritual health eternal life is obtained; whereas, through physical health only physical results are obtained. 'Abdu'l-Baha
-'Abdu'l-Baha (Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to American Pilgrims Charles and Mariam Haney, Akka, February 1909; ‘A Heavenly Feast’)