They that are intoxicated by self-conceit have interposed themselves between it and the Divine and infallible Physician. Witness how they have entangled all men, themselves included, in the mesh of their devices. They can neither discover the cause of the disease, nor have they any knowledge of the remedy.
Interpretation
Self-conceit obstructs true understanding and prevents people from recognizing their own shortcomings and the solutions they need.
In this profound quote by Baha'U'Llah, he emphasizes the dangers of self-conceit, suggesting that those who are overly proud or arrogant place themselves between their true selves and the divine wisdom that could heal their afflictions. By allowing their ego to cloud their judgment, they not only fail to understand the root causes of their problems but also deny themselves access to the solutions that could lead to personal growth and enlightenment.
In practice
This quote can be used in a leadership seminar to discuss the importance of humility in effective leadership.
We desire the good of the world and the happiness of the nations that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened... what harm is there in this?... these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come.
He Who is your Lord, the All-Merciful cherisheth in His heart the desire of beholding the entire human race as one soul and one body.
Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.
Just as lavishness leads easily to presumption, so does frugality to meanness. But meanness is a far less serious fault than presumption.
I wonder if we might pledge ourselves to remember what life is really all about—not to be afraid that we're less flashy than the next, not to worry that our influence is not that of a tornado, but rather that of a grain of sand in an oyster! Do we have that kind of patience?
My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to find peace with exactly who and what I am. To take pride in my thoughts, my appearance, my talents, my flaws and to stop this incessant worrying that I can’t be loved as I am.
I want, of course, peace, grace, and beauty. How do you do that? You work for it.
Vision is perhaps our greatest strength.. it has kept us alive to the power and continuity of thought through the centuries, it makes us peer into the future and lends shape to the unknown.
Teach me to treat all that comes to me with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Your will governs all.
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