Unity in diversity
From Bahaipedia
Unity in diversity is a socio-ecological philosophy that describes a sense of oneness despite physical or psychological barriers. Bahá’ís affirm the desirability of the principle of unity in diversity, stating that while recognizing the unity of humankind, cultural diversity should be celebrated.
- "The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of a different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness."
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Quoted in Advent of Divine Justice, p.32. [1]
- "Bahá’ís should obviously be encouraged to preserve their inherited cultural identities, as long as the activities involved do not contravene the principles of the Faith. The perpetuation of such cultural characteristics is an expression of unity in diversity."
- Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 553.
Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith states that the purpose of Bahá’u’lláh's teachings is not to stifle national autonomy or to suppress diversity, but to create a wider loyalty to that of humankind:
- "Let there be no misgivings as to the animating purpose of the world-wide Law of Bahá’u’lláh. 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, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 41. [2]
