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Man is he who forgets his own interests for the sake of others. His own comfort he forfeits for the well- being of all. Nay, rather, his own life must he be willing to forfeit for the life of mankind. Such a man is the honor of the world of humanity. Such a man is the glory of the world of mankind. Such a man is the one who wins eternal bliss. Such a man is near to the threshold of God. Such a man is the very manifestation of eternal happiness. Otherwise, men are like animals, exhibiting the same proclivities and propensities as the world of animals. What distinction is there? What prerogatives, what perfections? None whatever! Animals are better even-- thinking only of themselves and negligent of the needs of others. (42:4) Consider how the greatest men in the world-- whether among prophets or philosophers-- all have forfeited their own comfort, have sacrificed their own pleasure for the well- being of humanity. They have sacrificed their own lives for the body politic. They have sacrificed their own wealth for that of the general welfare. They have forfeited their own honor for the honor of mankind. Therefore it becomes evident that this is the highest attainment for the world of humanity.
(42:5)
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