At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of it. Of all the arts and sciences, set the children to studying those which will result in advantage to man, will ensure his progress and elevate his rank. Thus the noisome odours of lawlessness will be dispelled, and thus through the high endeavours of the nation's leaders, all will live cradled, secure and in peace.
The Great Being saith: The learned of the day must direct the people to acquire those branches of knowledge which are of use, that both the learned themselves and the generality of mankind may derive benefits therefrom....
(Baha’u’llah, ‘Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas’, pp. 16 & 69; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. 1, Extracts from the Writings concerning arts and crafts)
