Only when children grow up with an
appreciation for ethical principles, will they become adults who make a
positive contribution to society. Because of this, moral education is essential
to the creation of peaceful conditions in the world. 'Abdu'l-Báhá pointed out:
Training in
morals and good conduct is far more important than book learning. A child that
is cleanly, agreeable, of good character, well-behaved — even though he be
ignorant — is preferable to a child that is rude, unwashed, ill-natured, and
yet becoming deeply versed in all the sciences and arts. The reason for this is
that the child who conducts himself well, even though he be ignorant, is of
benefit to others, while an ill-natured, ill-behaved child is corrupted and
harmful to others, even though he be learned. If, however, the child be trained
to be both learned and good, the result is light upon light.
Moral education has the goal of developing
the highest and best characteristics of human nature. These are qualities such
as courtesy, friendliness, trustworthiness, endurance, justice, tolerance,
kindness, consideration, and the like. An effective programme of moral
education will teach such principles as the oneness of the human family, the
equality of women and men, the value of work as service to others, and the
essential harmony of all religions. It will aim to remove prejudices of all
kinds.
It is the responsibility of both parents
and school-teachers to promote the moral development of the children in their
care.
The moral and scientific principle that the
human family is essentially one is the foundation for solving most of the
world's problems. Seeing our fellow inhabitants of the globe as being akin to
our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts or uncles will motivate people
to build a world that serves the needs of all, rather than the narrow interests
of our own group. When such a mindset is more fully developed, the human race
will not want to allow injustices and conflicts to continue.
An integral aspect of the principle of
oneness is the concept of unity in diversity. Humanity, like the human body,
comprises various elements which may look different and have different
functions, abilities and qualities, yet which are all essential for the healthy
functioning of the whole. Diversity then becomes not a cause of friction but a
source of enrichment.
Achieving the full equality of women and
men is another major moral challenge for the 21st century. Facing up
to this challenge will facilitate the removal from society of such ills as
domestic violence, child abuse, teenage pregnancy, mental health problems, and
drug and alcohol abuse.
Societies around the world tend to greatly
undervalue the status of motherhood and the role of parents. Training for
parenthood ought to include such subjects as those outlined as follows:
…the various
branches of knowledge, good behaviour, a proper way of life, the cultivation of
a good character, chastity and constancy, perseverance, strength,
determination, firmness of purpose; with household management, the education of
children … Let them also study whatever will nurture the health of the body and
its physical soundness, and how to guard their children from disease.
Quotations in context
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