Make every effort to acquire the advanced knowledge of the
day, and strain every nerve to carry forward the divine civilization. Establish
schools that are well organized, and promote the fundamentals of instruction in
the various branches of knowledge through teachers who are pure and sanctified,
distinguished for their high standards of conduct and general excellence, and
strong in faith; scholars and educators with a thorough knowledge of sciences
and arts.
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...
(‘Abdu’l-Baha from a Tablet; The
Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, The Arts and Crafts)
