In the world of nature we behold the living organisms in a ceaseless
struggle for existence. Everywhere we are confronted by evidences of the
physical survival of the fittest. This is the very source of error and
misapprehension in the opinions and theories of men who fail to realize
that the world of nature is inherently defective in cause and outcome and
that the defects therein must be removed by education. For example,
consider man himself. If we study human beings such as the aboriginal
tribes of central Africa, who have been reared in complete subjection to
nature's rule, we will find them deficient indeed. They are without
religious education; neither do they give evidences of any advance
whatever toward civilization. They have simply grown and developed in the
natural plane of barbarism. We find them bloodthirsty, immoral and
animalistic in type to such an extent that they even kill and devour each
other. It is evident, therefore, that the world of nature unassisted is
imperfect because it is a plane upon which the struggle for physical
existence expresses itself.
If a piece of ground is left in its natural state, wild weeds, thorns and
trees of the jungle will grow upon it. But if we cultivate that same piece
of ground, the result will be that it will rid itself of natural
imperfections and become transformed into a beautiful rose garden or an
orchard of fruitful trees. This is proof that the world of nature is
defective. The founding of schools and establishing of educational systems
in the world are intended to replace the defects of nature with virtues
and perfections. If there were no defects, there would be no need of
training, culture and education, but inasmuch as we find that children
need training and schooling, it is a conclusive proof that the world of
nature must be developed. Many things show this clearly. One of the basic
evidences is the survival of the fittest in the animal kingdom, their
ignorance, sensuality and unbridled instincts and passions. Therefore, in
the natural world there is need of an Educator and Teacher for mankind. He
must be universal in his powers and accomplishments. Teachers are of two
kinds: universal and special. The universal Instructors are the Prophets
of God, and the special teachers are the philosophers. The philosophers
are capable of educating and training a limited circle of human souls,
whereas the holy, divine Manifestations of God confer general education
upon humanity. They arise to bestow universal moral training. For example,
Moses was a universal Teacher. He trained and disciplined the people of
Israel, enabled them to rescue themselves from the lowest abyss of despair
and ignorance and caused them to attain an advanced degree of knowledge
and development. They were captives and in the bondage of slavery; through
Him they became free. He led them out of Egypt into the Holy Land and
opened the doors of their advancement into higher civilization. Through
His training this oppressed and downtrodden people, slaves and captives of
the Pharaohs, established the splendor of the Solomonic sovereignty. This
is an example of a universal Teacher, a universal Educator. Again,
consider Christ: how that marvelous expression of unity bestowed education
and ethical training upon the Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Syrian and Assyrian
nations and welded together a people from them in a permanent and
indissoluble bond. These nations were formerly at enmity and in a state of
continual hostility and strife. He cemented them together, caused them to
agree, conferred tranquillity upon humanity and established the
foundations of human welfare throughout the world. Therefore, He was a
real Educator, the Instructor of reality.
When we review the conditions existing in the East prior to the rise of
the Prophet of Arabia, we find that throughout the Arabian peninsula
intense mental darkness and the utmost ignorance prevailed among its
inhabitants. Those tribal peoples were constantly engaged in war, killing
and shedding blood, burning and pillaging the homes of each other and
living in conditions of the utmost debasement and immorality. They were
lower and more brutal than the animals. Muhammad appeared as a Prophet
among such a people. He educated these barbarous tribes, lifted them out
of their ignorance and savagery and put an end to the continuous strife
and hatred which had existed among them. He established agreement and
reconciliation among them, unified them and taught them to look upon each
other as brothers. Through His training they advanced rapidly in prestige
and civilization. They were formerly ignorant; they became wise. They were
barbarous; they attained refinement and culture. They were debased and
brutal; He uplifted and elevated them. They were humiliated and despised;
their civilization and renown spread throughout the world. This is perfect
proof that Muhammad was an Educator and Teacher.
In the nineteenth century strife and hostility prevailed among the people
of the Orient. Apathy and ignorance characterized the nations. They were
indeed gloomy and dark, negligent of God and under the subjection of the
baser instincts and passions of mankind. The struggle for existence was
intense and universal. At such a time as this Baha'u'llah appeared among
them like a luminary in the heavens. He flooded the East with light. He
proclaimed new principles and teachings. He laid a basis for new
institutions which are the very spirit of modernism, the light of the
world, the development of the body politic and eternal honor. The souls
who hearkened to these teachings among the various oriental nations
immediately renounced the spirit of strife and hostility and began to
associate in goodwill and fellowship. From extremes of animosity they
attained the acme of love and brotherhood. They had been warring and
quarreling; now they became loving and lived together in complete unity
and agreement. Among them today you will find no religious, political or
patriotic prejudice; they are friendly, loving and associate in the
greatest happiness. They have no part in the war and strife which take
place in the East; their attitude toward all men is that of goodwill and
loving-kindness. A standard of universal peace has been unfurled among
them. The light of guidance has flooded their souls. It is light upon
light, love upon love. This is the education and training of Baha'u'llah.
He has led these souls to this standard and given them teachings which
ensure eternal illumination. Anyone who becomes well versed in His
teachings will say, "Verily, I declare that these words constitute the
illumination of humanity, that this is the everlasting honor, that these
are heavenly precepts and the cause of never-ending life among men."
8 November 1912
Talk at Eighth Street Temple, Synagogue
Washington, D. C.