If our youth are to become active and capable participants in the building of a global civilisation, they cannot sit passively in rows, day after day, year after year, ingesting and regurgitating the fragmented
understandings and misunderstandings of others.

They need first, global vision, an understanding of their place in history, a realisation of their spiritual nature, a clear sense of purpose, awareness of the needs of the  present as well as the future, and moral courage necessary to fulfil their mission in life, “the service and salvation of all mankind.” 

Colleges and universities must create a climate where students can work together as a learning community, where helping each other is not called cheating, where holding a conversation with peers is not considered off task.

Students must be encouraged to strive for excellence as they develop their powers of intellectual investigation, of creative thinking, of self-expression and initiative. They should be given opportunities to raise important questions, to consult on matters of concern, to make difficult decisions, to solve real problems. 

Solving the urgent problems facing humanity dictates the need for a higher consciousness and a holistic worldview.  Such a consciousness appears to be emerging at an astonishing rate assisted in part by the rapid dissemination of information made possible by present-day technology. 

Consciously or unconsciously individuals and nations are reacting to the paradigmatic change that is impregnating our society with the values commensurate with humankind’s increasing maturity and the forces  influencing the global market to which we all subscribe. 

The writings of Bahá’u’lláh, whose ominous warning sounded over a century ago are literally being fulfiled by a world hurtling swiftly onto a path of self-induced annihilation.

“Bestir yourselves, O people, in anticipation of the days of Divine Justice, for the promised hour is now come.”  “Know ye of a certainty that if ye turn not back from that which ye have committed, chastisement will overtake you on every side, and ye shall behold things more grievous than that which ye beheld aforetime,” he wrote. 

Everything in its history has equipped the Bahá’í Faith to address the challenge  facing the world.  Even at this relatively early stage of its development - and relatively limited as its resources presently are - the Bahá’í enterprise is fully deserving of the respect it is winning.

With the immense opportunities and horrific dangers that physical unification of the planet has brought with it, commitment to the requirements of unity becomes the touchstone of all professions of devotion and our young generation would do well to remember: “Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.”