Although it is recognized that the contemporary men of
learning are highly qualified in philosophy, arts and crafts, yet were anyone
to observe with a discriminating eye he would readily comprehend that most of
this knowledge hath been acquired from the sages of the past, for it is they
who have laid the foundation of philosophy, reared its structure and reinforced
its pillars. Thus doth thy Lord, the Ancient of Days, inform thee. The sages
aforetime acquired their knowledge from the Prophets, inasmuch as the latter
were the Exponents of divine philosophy and the Revealers of heavenly
mysteries. Men quaffed the crystal, living waters of Their utterance, while
others satisfied themselves with the dregs. Everyone receiveth a portion
according to his measure. Verily He is the Equitable, the Wise.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Tablets of Baha’u’llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas’)