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Images International

Archival Collection of Talks on Various Bahá'í Subjects

The Central Role of Education in the Development of Culture

1988

Ms. Ayman-Nolley first gives her definition of the terms “education” and of “culture”. She then reviews the condition of education and culture in the world today. She quotes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from the “Secret of Divine Civilization” A superficial culture, unsupported by a cultivated morality, is as "a confused medley of dreams," and external luster without inner perfection is "like a vapor in the desert which the thirsty dreameth to be water." 'Abdu'l-Baha then goes on to show the importance of the role of religion in the development of culture. We should never "fall into the trap of tradition and blind imitation".