Know verily that Knowledge is of two kinds: Divine and Satanic. The one
welleth out from the fountain of divine inspiration; the other is but a
reflection of vain and obscure thoughts. The source of the former is God
Himself; the motive-force of the latter the whisperings of selfish desire. The
one is guided by the principle: “Fear ye God; God will teach you;” [1] the
other is but a confirmation of the truth: “Knowledge is the most grievous veil
between man and his Creator.” The former bringeth forth the fruit of patience,
of longing desire, of true understanding, and love; whilst the latter can yield
naught but arrogance, vainglory and conceit. From the sayings of those Masters
of holy utterance, Who have expounded the meaning of true knowledge, the odour
of these dark teachings, which have obscured the world, can in no wise be
detected. The tree of such teachings can yield no result except iniquity and
rebellion, and beareth no fruit but hatred and envy. Its fruit is deadly
poison; its shadow a consuming fire. How well hath it been said: “Cling unto
the robe of the Desire of thy heart, and put thou away
all shame; bid the worldlywise be gone, however great their name.”
(Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan)
