Columbus
How much trouble people undergo merely for outward benefits[edit]
"Later in the day the conversation was mainly about Columbus, who, intending to reach India, traveled by sea in a straight line from east to west, and, on reaching land, found himself on the shores of the American continent. `Really,' `Abdu'l-Bahá said, `how much trouble these people undergo merely for outward benefits. How many lives have been lost only in an effort to explore the North Pole and for worldly renown.' He related a story: Once one of the Europeans fell overboard in a storm at sea and his fellow passengers saved him. However, he lamented to himself, `Oh, why wasn't I drowned so that the publications of the incident in the newspapers would have spread my name in all countries?' These people accept death for trifling affairs but they never take a step in the path of the Cause of God."
Should be grateful to Columbus for discovery of America; harmful results that followed don't compare to benefits[edit]
"His holiness BAHA'O'LLAH liked such natural scenery. He said: 'The city is the world of the bodies but the mountains and the country are the world of the souls.' Yet all of his life he was a prisoner and fell under great calamities. You must be very grateful to Columbus who discovered such a great country. It is exceedingly astonishing that though he was the discoverer, yet it became known by the name of America. Indeed this country should be called Columbia, which is true and just. Every existing being of the nether world, although it is useful, has still its harmful side. But the thing to be considered is, which is the greater, its usefulness or harmfulness? For example, although by the discovery of Columbus the world seemingly suffered weariness and hardships,—for instance, if Columbus did not discover America the Titanic would not have been built and so many souls drowned—yet these evils in comparison with the benefits are as nothing. Therefore, the usefulness of other things must be considered. In this day the things which are all good are those which pertain to the spirit. They are all good and for the good of all. From them no harm ever comes, for they are light and there is no harm in light."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Star of the West, vol. 7, issue 9, p. 78)
