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.
I used to think that God's gifts were on shelves one above the other and that the taller we grew in Christian character, the more easily we should reach them. I find now that God's gifts are on shelves one beneath the other and that is not a question of growing taller, but of stooping lower and that we have to go down, always down to get His best ones.
[I]t is the wine that leads me on, the wild wine that sets the wisest man to sing at the top of his lungs, laugh like a fool – it drives the man to dancing... it even tempts him to blurt out stories better never told.
I shall argue that strong men, conversely, know when to compromise and that all principles can be compromised to serve a greater principle.
Incuriosity is the oddest and most foolish failing there is.
Wisdom comes by disillusionment.
It is a law of our humanity, that man must know both good and evil; he must know good through evil. There never was a principle but what triumphed through much evil; no man ever progressed to greatness and goodness but through great mistakes.
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