Unity in Diversity
Let there be no misgivings as to the animating
purpose of the world-wide Law of Baha'u'llah. Far from aiming at
the subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to broaden
its basis, to remold its institutions in a manner consonant with the needs
of an ever-changing world. It can conflict with no legitimate allegiances,
nor can it undermine essential loyalties. Its purpose is neither
to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men's hearts,
nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils
of excessive centralization are to be avoided. It does not ignore,
nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of
climate, of history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that
differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for
a wider loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the
human race. It insists upon the subordination of national impulses
and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world. It
repudiates excessive centralization on one hand, and disclaims all attempts
at uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity in diversity.
. .
(Shoghi Effendi: World Order of Baha'u'llah, page
43)
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