Make every effort to acquire the advanced knowledge of the day, and strain every nerve to carry forward the divine civilization.... Included must be promotion of the arts, the discovery of new wonders, the expansion of trade, and the development of industry. The methods of civilization and the beautification of the country must also be encouraged; and also to be inculcated is absolute obedience to the Government and total avoidance of any trace of sedition. ('Abdu'l-Bahá; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Scholarship)
