That matter (or substance) which is the cause of the
moderation and perfection of the body is that perfect moderate temperament
which is produced by the organization and admixture of constituent elements;
that matter (or substance) is material (or physical) not spiritual. But reason,
which comprehends (or detects) the realities of things, is a spiritual reality,
not physical (or material). Therefore the animal is deprived of reason, and it
(reason) is specialized to mankind. The animal feeleth realities which are
perceptible to the senses, but man perceiveth intellectual realities (or things
perceptible to reason). Consequently, it hath become evident that reason is a
spiritual faculty, not physical (or material).
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Tablets of
‘Abdu’l-Baha’, vol. 1)
