It would be wholly untrue to maintain that this faculty [the
rational faculty in a human being] is the same as the power of vision, inasmuch
as the power of vision is derived from it and acteth in dependence upon it. It
would, likewise, be idle to contend that this faculty can be identified with
the sense of hearing, as the sense of hearing receiveth from the rational
faculty the requisite energy for performing its functions.
This same relationship bindeth this faculty with whatsoever
hath been the recipient of these names and attributes within the human temple.
These diverse names and revealed attributes have been generated through the
agency of this sign of God. Immeasurably exalted is this sign, in its essence
and reality, above all such names and attributes. Nay, all else besides it
will, when compared with its glory, fade into utter nothingness and become a
thing forgotten.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah’)
