It would be a mistake to believe that the characteristics which are attributable to generic man could not also be rightly attributed to individual man. In other words, the qualities that are expressed by the sons of God collectively must of necessity be reflected by each individual son. Obviously, then, the inherent qualities which are expressed by generic man must of necessity characterize the individuals who, taken together, constitute the universal brotherhood of man or the entire expression of infinite divine Mind. Each individual man is, therefore, in himself individually complete, a perfect idea of Soul, Spirit. God, reflecting the wholeness, the infinity, of divine being. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. says on page 267 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." "Generically man is one, and specifically man means all men." And she also says (ibid., p. 515), "Man is the family name for all ideas.—the sons and daughters of God."
There is no distinction made between the individual rays which constitute sunlight. It is recognized that they all emanate from the same source and express the same characteristics. Similarly the individual sons of God have one origin and nature. Possibly this fact was discerned by Paul when, in endeavoring to explain to the Athenians the nature of God, he said, "He is Lord of heaven and earth ... and hath made of one blood all nations of men." The foregoing applies, of course, mainly to human experience, but, nevertheless, it illustrates, in a degree, the universal and impartial nature of God, as well as the fact that all men in their true selfhood express the qualities of their common Father.
It is plain that an all-wise and impartial creator could not bestow upon one individual any quality or characteristic that is not also expressed and enjoyed by all. Understanding this divine fact, one is freed from the unhappy effects of believing that one individual is more fully endowed with intelligence, strength, wisdom, ability, or capability than another. Thus the excuse for envy, jealousy, rivalry, and unkind comparison is effectually disposed of. This knowledge also helps one to be free from the tendency to self depreciation and self-pity.
