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c 1870 Constantinople (now
called Istanbul)
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One day, while in Constantinople, Kamál Páshá visited this
Wronged One. Our conversation turned upon topics profitable unto man. He said
that he had learned several languages. In reply We observed: “You have wasted
your life. It beseemeth you and the other officials of the Government to
convene a gathering and choose one of the divers languages, and likewise one of
the existing scripts, or else to create a new language and a new script to be taught
children in schools throughout the world. They would, in this way, be acquiring
only two languages, one their own native tongue, the other the language in
which all the peoples of the world would converse. Were men to take fast hold
on that which hath been mentioned, the whole earth would come to be regarded as
one country, and the people would be relieved and freed from the necessity of
acquiring and teaching different languages.” When in Our presence, he
acquiesced, and even evinced great joy and complete satisfaction. We then told
him to lay this matter before the officials and ministers of the Government, in
order that it might be put into effect throughout the different countries.
However, although he often returned to see Us after this, he never again
referred to this subject, although that which had been suggested is conducive
to the concord and the unity of the peoples of the world.
We fain would hope that the Persian Government will adopt it
and carry it out. At present, a new language and a new script have been
devised. If thou desirest, We will communicate them to thee. Our purpose is
that all men may cleave unto that which will reduce unnecessary labor and
exertion, so that their days may be befittingly spent and ended. God, verily,
is the Helper, the Knower, the Ordainer, the Omniscient.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Epistle to the Son of the Wolf’)
