Our needs were once few, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá observes, and most of what now weighs on us was added later, custom by custom, until a simple life came to look like a sacrifice rather than a liberation. Moderation in the Bahá’í writings is not a diet of less but a way of making room: for generosity, for attention, for the work that matters. Bahá’u’lláh calls it desirable in all matters and warns that anything carried to excess, even liberty or civilization itself, turns from a blessing into a source of harm. The measure is never appetite, since virtue does not lie in eating little or much, but justice and purpose: a person content with a crust who deals fairly with others is the master of all worlds. The Qur’án pictures a hand neither tied to the neck nor stretched to exhaustion [1], and that middle path runs through speech, spending, recreation, and public power alike. It leads naturally onward to detachment, to the true standing of material wealth, and to the refinement and beauty that a life freed from clutter can finally afford.
As much as possible we must make our lives simple and reduce its accumulated complexities. Our necessary wants were originally very few but with the increasing tide of modern civilization, our ancestors and fathers have added to our loads of superficial obligations. If we desire to emancipate ourselves and our children from this slavish custom, we must throw off these heavy burdens of external demands and live an independent, generous, liberal and bountiful life of democratic simplicity and poesy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1915-Apr-23 -- ABU1397)
02
If a person is content with a morsel of bread and deals with justice and fairness according to his capacity, he is the master of all worlds and the most praiseworthy of men - noble though his purse be empty, the master of the free though his garment be old and worn.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Sep-26+, to Siyyid Zaynu'l-Abidin -- AB00817)
03
Virtue and excellence consist in true faith in God, not in having a small or a large appetite for food, or in similar matters.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ali Kuli Khan and Florence Khan, spoken on 1906-Jun-10 -- ABU1728)
04
Do not mortify the flesh. Care for the body as the vehicle of the soul and the spirit within; but at the same time do not pamper it.
Cultivate your finer nature through your senses and your emotions, taking care meanwhile that they do not become your masters.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Myron Phelps and Madame Canavarro in Dec. 1902 -- ABU0361)
05
A good character is in the sight of God and His chosen ones and the possessors of insight, the most excellent and praiseworthy of all things, but always on condition that its center of emanation should be reason and knowledge and its base should be true moderation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Madaniyyih (The Secret of Divine Civilization), 1875, to The People of Iran -- AB00004)
06
God sayeth in the Quran: "Make not thy hand tied to thy neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach" and He saith: "But seek between these two an intermediate way." You too must follow this course and act with moderation....
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Aqa Muhammad Abdu'l-Ghani (Mansurih) -- AB11157)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
07
Lament not in your hours of trial, neither rejoice therein; seek ye the Middle Way which is the remembrance of Me in your afflictions and reflection over that which may befall you in future.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book), 1290-05-15 [1873-Jul-11] -- BH00001)
08
The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the ninth leaf of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil. Consider the civilization of the West, how it hath agitated and alarmed the peoples of the world. An infernal engine hath been devised, and hath proved so cruel a weapon of destruction that its like none hath ever witnessed or heard.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kalimat-i-Firdawsiyyih (Words of Paradise), 1306-11-26 [1889-Jul-24], to Haji Mirza Haydar Ali Isfahani -- BH00111)
09
It is incumbent upon them who are in authority to exercise moderation in all things. Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence. Consider for instance such things as liberty, civilization and the like. However much men of understanding may favourably regard them, they will, if carried to excess, exercise a pernicious influence upon men.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Maqsud, 1299-02-29 [1882-Jan-20], to Mirza Maqsud -- BH00140)
10
In all things moderation is praiseworthy and beloved. Excessive civilization has been and continues to be a cause of destruction.
Similarly, with regard to the peoples who clamour for freedom: the moderate freedom which guarantees the welfare of the world of mankind and maintains and preserves the universal relationships, is found in its fullest power and extension in the teachings of Baha'u'llah.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lawh-i-Lahih (Tablet to the Hague), 1919-Dec-17, to Central Organization for a Durable Peace (the Hague) -- AB00016)
12
What is needed is unity and harmony and wisdom and moderation in all matters. Blessed are they who have held fast to the cord of unity and acted in accordance with what they were commanded by One Who is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307-03-20 [1889-Nov-14], to Siyyid Ali Afnan son of Afnan Kabir -- BH11696)
13
Let them beware lest the love they bear God, a love that glows so brightly in their hearts, cause them to transgress the bounds of moderation, and to overstep the limits We have set for them.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Words spoken in the house of Aqay-i-Kalim to Nabil-i-A'zam 2, 1306-05-08 ca. [1889-Jan-10], to words to Nabil-i-A'zam -- BHU0002)
14
Teach thou the Cause of God with an utterance which will cause the bushes to be enkindled, and the call 'Verily, there is no God but Me, the Almighty, the Unconstrained' to be raised therefrom. Say: Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom), 1292? [1875-1876], to Mulla Muhammad Qa'ini (Nabil-i-Akbar) -- BH00223)
15
In whatever country you go, speak with moderation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Feb-13, to Charles Mason Remey -- AB04320)
16
Question: "Shall we devote much time to the study of philosophy?"
Answer: "Everything must be done moderately. Excess is not desirable. Do not go to extremes. Even in thinking do not go to extremes but be moderate. If there is too much thinking you will be unable to control your thoughts."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Anna Kunz, spoken on 1921-Mar-28 -- ABU0326)
17
Question: "Does the Baha'i prohibition of gambling and lotteries forbid games of every description?"
Answer: "No, some games are innocent, and if pursued for pastime there is no harm. But there is danger that pastime may degenerate into waste of time. Waste of time is not acceptable in the Cause of God. But recreation which may improve the bodily powers, as exercise, is desirable."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Louis Gregory, spoken on 1911-Apr-10 -- ABU3354)
18
But in sleep and food and such things, humans are compelled since these are requirements of life, and moderation in them assists and supports the acquisition of spiritual perfections and attainment of eternal stations.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Horace Holley, spoken on 1913-May-11 -- ABU0886)
19
The golden rule as to food is, do not take too much or too little. Moderation is necessary.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Feb. 1911 -- ABU1885)
20
"When the people invite me alone to their houses" he said "I ask them to prepare only one dish. Simplicity in food is better.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at House of Abbud in Akka, 1914-Dec-12 -- ABU1452)
21
This is a uniform (or plain) table - the same kind of food served to all. Uniformity and simplicity are good not only in food, but even in dress, in heart and in temperament.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a group of believers, 1906-May-23 -- ABU0558)
22
But man hath perversely continued to serve his lustful appetites, and he would not content himself with simple foods.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Dec or <, to William Jay Moore -- AB00162)
23
Bodily health is not important. What is more important is spiritual health which gives eternal pleasure and has everlasting effect. The more the body is cared for, the worse it becomes. Thus denial is preferable for the body. I took only a cup of milk today and I feel much better. Why should man undergo so much trouble and hardship merely for the purpose of eating?
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken on 1912-Jun-24 -- ABU3003)
24
Hunger is a hardship for humans, and food removes it - it is not that there is pleasure in food. Thirst is a hardship for humans, and water removes it - it is not that there is pleasure in water. Tiredness is a trouble for humans, and rest removes it. There is no pleasure in water itself, but it removes thirst. Therefore if one is hungry, any food gives pleasure, and if not, there is no pleasure at all.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Sep-23 in Haifa -- ABU1752)
25
One must eat in moderation. Man is not created for food. He must not indulge in eating too much. Over-eating is the cause of many diseases. Rise from the table always before your are satisfied.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Rue Lauriston 97 in Paris, 1913-May-30 -- ABU2552)
26
He must not make himself the slave of any habit. He must eat a piece of stale bread with the same relish and enjoyment as the most sumptuous dinner.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Oct-25 in Ramleh -- ABU2408)
27
Man must walk in the path of contentment and be satisfied with few things. This will insure his happiness, give him the power of endurance and make him independent of all unnecessary appendages of this mundane life.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1915-Apr-10 -- ABU1189)
28
There is only one way of freedom and that is by shutting one's eyes and heart to all these things which distract the mind.
The Arab of the desert teaches us a great lesson in the simple life.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Sep-21 in Ramleh -- ABU1920)
29
The Arab wedding in the desert is very simple. The wedding consists of the groom standing on a stone and the bride standing on a stone before him.
When I was young I often had a brick or a piece of rock as my pillow, and I slept soundly."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jul-17 -- ABU2420)
31
When I was young I never slept on the mattress. I slept on the floor. I would take a book and read it till late at night. When I was drowsy with sleep I would put the book under my head and cover my body with my Aba. How I slept soundly! I can never forget the true enjoyment of those nights.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Nov-06 in Ramleh -- ABU1682)
32
He was one of the most economical men of this age and lived in the most rigorous frugality and extreme simplicity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Nov-23 in Ramleh -- ABU0339)
33
But when this very merchant went to the market to buy daily provision for his home he would haggle with the vegetable vendor for a quarter of Mataleek and tried to save one or two cents in the whole bargain. He was not really a parsimonious fellow but a careful, household economist. He would say the loss of a cargo of wheat is not a thing that will happen often but if one does not watch over his daily expense[s] sooner or later he will be drained to the bottom and will then have to weep over his own carelessness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1915-Jan-11 -- ABU1578)
34
Never be a spendthrift. Do not be extravagant in thy expenses. An extravagant person comes always to a sad end and feels the pinch of want and misery. Ever expend less than your income. Do not borrow money for unnecessary things.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to someone who asked for money, spoken at Rue Lauriston 97 on 1913-May-31 -- ABU1996)
35
Trust in God and engage in your work and practice economy; the confirmations of God shall descend and you will be enabled to pay off your debts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Oct-25, to Mcguffin Echole, Florence et al -- AB07534)
36
Let them conduct their business with moderation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Mar-16, to Yazdi, Husayn Ali brother of Haji Abdur-Rasul -- AB06680)
37
Baha'u'llah states: "In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jun-07 in Paris -- ABU2063)
38
The people of God are like the birds, who satisfy themselves with a few crumbs, and sit the whole time on the branches of the trees and sing the praises of God.
Christ says that we are like the birds. The birds have habits; one is that they are satisfied with a few grains; they have neither property nor possessions; and they are most of the time on the branches of the trees, singing their beautiful melodies. Now you should be satisfied with worldly things, and spend most of the time in spreading the truths of the Word of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ida Finch and Fanny and Alma Knobloch, spoken on 1908-Nov-12 -- ABU2085)
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
40
Whoso cleaveth to justice, can, under no circumstances, transgress the limits of moderation.... The civilization, so often vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men.... If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation.... The day is approaching when its flame will devour the cities.... All other things are subject to this same principle of moderation.
GWB#164 p342-343
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41
Such a chaste and holy life, with its implications of modesty, purity, temperance, decency, and clean-mindedness, involves no less than the exercise of moderation in all that pertains to dress, language, amusements, and all artistic and literary avocations.
ADJ.030
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42
In one of His Tablets Baha'u'llah says that the highest form of detachment in this day is to be occupied with some profession and be self-supporting. A good Baha'i, therefore, is the one who so arranges his life as to devote time both to his material needs and also to the service of the Cause.
LG#2109 (26 Feb. 1933 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
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43
Should we build up the Administrative World Order to a point of absolute perfection but at the same time allow it to be hampered or disconnected from the channels within, through which channels the Holy Spirit of the Cause pours forth, we would have nothing more than a perfected body out of touch with and cut off from the finer promptings of the soul or spirit. If, on the other hand, the influxes and goings forth of the spirit are scattered, diffused, and subjected wholly to the more or less imperfect guidance and interpretation of individual believers, lacking both the wisdom secured through consultation and also the lights of real unity which shine through consultative action and obedience thereto -- a disordered and disorganized activity would be witnessed, which would but dimly reflect the divine purpose for this age, which is no less than the establishment of the reign of divine love, justice, and wisdom in the world, under and in conformity to the Divine Law.
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44
We believe in balance in all things; we believe in moderation in all things -- we must not be too emotional, nor cut and dried and lacking in feeling, we must not be so liberal as to cease to preserve the character and unity of our Baha'i system, nor fanatical and dogmatic.
(5 Jul. 1947 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Issues Concerning Community Functioning)
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45
It is our primary task to keep the most vigilant eye on the manner and character of its growth, to combat effectively the forces of separation and of sectarian tendencies, lest the Spirit of the Cause be obscured, its unity be threatened, its Teachings suffer corruption; lest extreme orthodoxy on one hand, and irresponsible freedom on the other, cause it to deviate from that Straight Path which alone can lead it to success.
BA.042 (12 Mar. 1923)
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46
When exchanging views about the Universal House of Justice -- the body to which all things must be referred -- the friends should exercise care lest they go to extremes, by either diminishing its station or assigning to it exaggerated attributes.
(7 Apr. 2008 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, in "Revelation and Social Reality", p. 56)
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47
The evidence of the divine greatness of the Cause is that its teachings are so perfectly balanced. No virtue is so over-emphasized as to become a bias or weakness. It enables men to follow the golden mean, to be moderate and well balanced in all their affairs. That is why one can find statements that if taken by themselves seem to be almost incompatible with each other, but taken as a whole they form one perfect design, a pliable, workable system by which all men can live.
(19 Jul. 1941 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
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48
As to the proper balance to attain--that is very difficult! Saints and Martyrs did not have any "balance", all they had they sacrificed for the Cause. But this is a very high station, and no one can tell another person that he should try to attain it.
(19 Jan. 1950 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in a Research memo dated 17 Jul. 1989)
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