ure the dominant note is the struggle for
existence--the result of which is the survival of the fittest. The
law of the survival of the fittest is the origin of all
difficulties. It is the cause of war and strife, hatred and
animosity, between human beings. In the world of nature there is
tyranny, egoism, aggression, overbearance, usurpation of the
rights of others and other blameworthy attributes which are
defects of the animal world. Therefore, so long as the
requirements of the natural world play paramount part among the
children of men, success and prosperity are impossible. Nature is
warlike, nature is bloodthirsty, nature is tyrannical, for nature
is unaware of God the Almighty. That is why these cruel qualities
are natural to the animal world.

Therefore the Lord of mankind, having great love and mercy, has
caused the appearance of the prophets and the revelation of the
Holy Books, so that through divine education humanity may be
released from the corruption of nature and the darkness of
ignorance, be confirmed with ideal virtues and spiritual
attributes, and become the dawning-place of merciful emotions....

A hundred thousand times, alas! that ignorant prejudice, unnatural
differences and antagonistic principles are yet displayed by the
nations of the world toward one another, thus causing the
retardation of general progress. This retrogression comes from the
fact that the principles of divine civilization are completely
abandoned, and the teachings of the prophets are forgotten.

The Most Great Peace

In all ages the Prophets of God have foretold the coming of an era of
"peace on earth, goodwill among men." As we have already seen Baha'u'llah,
in the most glowing and confident terms, confirms these prophecies and
declares that their fulfillment is at hand. 'Abdu'l-Baha says:--

... in this marvellous cycle, the earth will be transformed, and
the world of humanity arrayed in tranquility and beauty. Disputes,
quarrels, and murders will be replaced by peace, truth, and
concord; among the nations, peoples, races, and countries, love
and amity will appear. Co-operation and union will be established,
and finally war will be entirely suppressed.... Universal peace
will raise its tent in the centre of the earth, and the Blessed
Tree of Life will grow and spread to such an e