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As difference in degree of capacity exists among human souls, as difference in capability is found, therefore, individualities will differ one from another. But in reality this is a reason for unity and not for discord and enmity. If the flowers of a garden were all of one color, the effect would be monotonous to the eye; but if the colors are variegated, it is most pleasing and wonderful. The difference in adornment of color and capacity of reflection among the flowers gives the garden its beauty and charm. Therefore, although we are of different individualities, . . . let us strive like flowers of the same divine garden to live together in harmony. Even though each soul has its own individual perfume and color, all are reflecting the same light, all contributing fragrance to the same breeze which blows through the garden, all continuing to grow in complete harmony and accord.

— `Abdu'l-Bahá on Unity

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "As difference in degree of capacity exists among human souls, as difference in capability is found, therefore, individualities will differ one from another. But in reality this is a reason for unity and not for discord and enmity. If the flowers of a garden were all of one color, the effect would be monotonous to the eye; but if the colors are variegated, it is most pleasing and wonderful. The difference in adornment of color and capacity of reflection among the flowers gives the garden its beauty and charm. Therefore, although we are of different individualities, . . . let us strive like flowers of the same divine garden to live together in harmony. Even though each soul has its own individual perfume and color, all are reflecting the same light, all contributing fragrance to the same breeze which blows through the garden, all continuing to grow in complete harmony and accord." in the context of "`Abdu'l-Bahá, in The Promulgation of Universal Peace : Talks Delivered by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912 (1982), edited by the US Bahá'í Publishing Trust, p. 24" to mean that wisdom is timeless.

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Source: Wikiquote: "Unity" (Quotes: Sorted alphabetically by author or source) The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
`Abdu

About `Abdu'l-Bahá

Sir `Abdu'l-Bahá `Abbás Effendí (23 May 1844 – 28 November 1921), commonly known as `Abdu'l-Bahá (abdol-ba-haa), was the son of Bahá'u'lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá'í Faith. In 1892, `Abdu'l-Bahá was appointed in his father's Will to be his successor and head of the Bahá'í Faith. His Journeys to the West, and his Tablets of the Divine Plan spread the Bahá'í message beyond its Persian roots, and his Will and Testament laid the foundation for the current Bahá'í administrative order.