The subjects to be taught in children's school are many, and
for lack of time We can touch on only a few: First and most important is
training in behaviour and good character; the rectification of qualities;
arousing the desire to become accomplished and acquire perfections, and to
cleave unto the religion of God and stand firm in His Laws: to accord total
obedience to every just government, to show forth loyalty and trustworthiness
to the ruler of the time, to be well-wishers of mankind, to be kind to all.
And further, as well as in the ideals of character,
instruction in such arts and sciences as are of benefit, and in foreign
tongues. Also, the repeating of prayers for the well-being of ruler and ruled;
and the avoidance of materialistic works that are current among those who see
only natural causation, and tales of love, and books that arouse the passions.
To sum up, let all the lessons be entirely devoted to the acquisition of human
perfections. Here, then, in brief are directions for the curriculum of these
schools. Greetings be unto you, and praise.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet to an
individual believer, published in ‘The Bahá'í World: 1972-1976, vol. 16’; The
Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, Writers and Writing)
