Wanderings

It is evident that although education improves the morals of mankind, confers the advantages of civilization and elevates man from lowest degrees to the station of sublimity, there is nevertheless a difference in the intrinsic or natal capacity of individuals. Ten children of the same age, with equal station of birth, taught in the same school, partaking of the same food, in all respects subject to the same environment, their interests equal and in common, will evidence separate and distinct degrees of capability and advancement; some exceedingly intelligent and progressive, some of mediocre ability, others limited and incapable. One may become a learned professor while another under the same course of education proves dull and stupid. From all standpoints the opportunities have been equal but the results and outcomes vary from the highest to lowest degree of advancement. It is evident therefore that mankind differs in natal capacity and intrinsic intellectual endowment. Nevertheless although capacities are not the same, every member of the human race is capable of education.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 55

As an educator I can tell you that different children have different skills, talents and abilities.  No matter what their upbringing, previous training, or experience, it seems that some children have a different capacity for learning some material and therefore excelling in activities that take advantage of those abilities.  Perhaps this is an effect of their differing interests, but still… have different interest despite having the same treatment.  God’s will in the development and maturation of a child fascinates me and is largely responsible for my own choice in profession and has guided my life.

TeacherJay Foundations of World Unity abilities, children, education, human capacity, independent investigation of truth, morals

It is clear that the reality of mankind is diverse, that opinions are various and sentiments different; and this difference of opinions, of thoughts, of intelligence, of sentiments among the human species arises from essential necessity; for the differences in the degrees of existence of creatures is one of the necessities of existence, which unfolds itself in infinite forms.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 301

The Baha’is appreciate all manner of well-formed opinions.  In fact, the Baha’i decision-making process, known as consultation, allows for everyone who wishes to speak to voice her or his opinion.  It is necessary for these differences to exist, to be considered and to be examined.  Just as there is diversity in our physical appearances, and in our abilities, God also provided with this diversity of thought.  All innovations throughout history, whether they be in the form of technology, social progress, or spirituality occurred because someone had a different opinion.  This is necessary for our development and progress as a species.

TeacherJay Some Answered Questions abilities, decisions, development, diversity, mankind, progress, society, unity