These schools for academic studies must at the same time be
training centres in behaviour and conduct, and they must favour character and
conduct above the sciences and arts. Good behaviour and high moral character
must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will
only prove injurious. Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical
conduct and virtuous character; otherwise it is a deadly poison, a frightful
danger. A physician of evil character, and who betrayeth his trust, can bring
on death, and become the source of numerous infirmities and diseases.
Devote ye the utmost attention to this matter, for the
basic, the foundation-principle of a school is first and foremost moral
training, character and the rectification of conduct.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a
Tablet, ‘The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education’)
