They that are intoxicated by self-conceit have interposed themselves between it and the Divine and infallible Physician. Witness how they have entangled all men, themselves included, in the mesh of their devices. They can neither discover the cause of the disease, nor have they any knowledge of the remedy.

The quote “They that are intoxicated by self-conceit have interposed themselves between it and the Divine and infallible Physician. Witness how they have entangled all men, themselves included, in the mesh of their devices. They can neither discover the cause of the disease, nor have they any knowledge of the remedy.” is attributed to Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. At its core, the statement is a warning against self-conceit and arrogance, which distance individuals from the guidance of the Divine. Bahá’u’lláh uses the metaphor of a Physician to represent God, the ultimate healer of humanity’s spiritual and moral ailments.

The origin of this idea lies in Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on humility, detachment from ego, and reliance on divine wisdom. In the 19th century, when he revealed his writings, Bahá’u’lláh sought to address the social, political, and spiritual turmoil of the world. By comparing arrogance to a disease, and God to the infallible Physician, he emphasized that true healing—whether personal or societal—comes not from human pride or manipulation but from aligning with divine truth and guidance.

The meaning of the quote underscores the destructive consequences of self-conceit. Those who are intoxicated by their own ego become blinded, unable to recognize the real cause of humanity’s problems or the remedy needed to resolve them. Instead, they create systems and devices that ensnare not only others but also themselves, perpetuating suffering and confusion. In this sense, arrogance becomes both a barrier to divine help and a source of further entanglement.

Ultimately, Bahá’u’lláh’s words serve as a spiritual reminder of the importance of humility and receptivity to divine wisdom. By acknowledging human limitations and turning to the Divine Physician, individuals and societies can find true healing and progress. His statement reflects the central Bahá’í principle that human pride and ego must be set aside in order to embrace unity, truth, and the transformative power of divine knowledge.