Edward Granville Browne
ʻAbdu’l-Bahá's early childhood in Iran was greatly influenced by his father being a prominent Bábí, and by his parents' families belonging to the country's aristocracy. He and his younger siblings—a sister, Bahíyyih, and a brother, Mihdí—lived in a carefree environment of privilege and happiness. With his father declining a ministerial position in the royal court, during his boyhood ʻAbdu’l-Bahá was witness to his parents' various charitable endeavors. ʻAbdu’l-Bahá received no formal education except for about a year of preparatory school at the age of seven. As he grew he was educated by his mother and an uncle; but most of his learning came from his father. After meeting ʻAbdu’l-Bahá in 1890, noted British orientalist Edward Granville Browne remarked "conversation with him served only to heighten the respect with which his appearance had from the first inspired me. One more eloquent of speech, more ready of argument, more apt of illustration, more intimately acquainted with the sacred books of the Jews, the Christians, and the Muhammadans, could, I should think, scarcely be found even amongst the eloquent, ready, and subtle race to which he belongs. These qualities, combined with a bearing at once majestic and genial, made me cease to wonder at the influence and esteem which he enjoyed even beyond the circle of his father's followers. About the greatness of this man and his power no one who had seen him could entertain a doubt."