Moderation

In all matters moderation is desirable[edit]

"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.

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih, Words of Paradise)

Anything passing beyond moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence[edit]

"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."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, sec. 110, p. 216)

Speech must be moderated and combined with tact and wisdom[edit]

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, Lawḥ-i-Maqṣúd)

Moderation means an end to destructive excesses[edit]

By moderation, Bahá’u’lláh is in no way referring to mere compromise, the dilution of truth, or a hypocritical or utopian consensus. The moderation He calls for demands an end to destructive excesses that have plagued humanity and fomented ceaseless contention and turmoil. Moderation in deliberation and action stands in contrast to the arbitrary imposition of views through power or insistence upon ideological aims, both of which obstruct the search for truth and sow the seeds of continuing injustice. A moderate perspective is a practical and principled standpoint from which one can recognize and adopt valid and insightful ideas whatever their source, without prejudice.

(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, letter to three individuals 29 November 2017)

He who cleaveth to justice can not transgress the limits of moderation[edit]

Whoso cleaveth to justice, can, under no circumstances, transgress the limits of moderation. He discerneth the truth in all things, through the guidance of Him Who is the All-Seeing. 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. Thus warneth you He Who is the All-Knowing. 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.

(Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh CLXIV)