…Baha'i education, just like any other system of education,
is based on the assumption that there are certain natural deficiencies in every
child, no matter how gifted, which his educators, whether his parents,
schoolmasters, or his spiritual guides and preceptors, should endeavour to
remedy. Discipline of some sort, whether physical, moral or intellectual, is
indeed indispensable, and no training can be said to be complete and fruitful
if it disregards this element. The child when born is far from being perfect.
It is not only helpless, but actually is imperfect, and even is naturally
inclined towards evil. He should be trained, his natural inclinations
harmonized, adjusted and controlled, and if necessary suppressed or regulated,
so as to ensure his healthy physical and moral development. Baha'i parents
cannot simply adopt an attitude of non-resistance towards their children,
particularly those who are unruly and violent by nature. It is not even
sufficient that they should pray on their behalf. Rather they should endeavour
to inculcate, gently and patiently, into their youthful minds such principles
of moral conduct and initiate them into the principles and teachings of the
Cause with such tactful and loving care as would enable them to become
"true sons of God" and develop into loyal and intelligent citizens of
His Kingdom. This is the high purpose which Baha'u'llah Himself has clearly
defined as the chief goal of every education.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 9 July 1939, written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; included in a Memorandum
from the Research department of the Universal House of Justice, dated 16 October
1994; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)
