[ . . . ] Education is a medium for the light of knowledge to descend into our deeper selves. Material progress too necessitates good education. [ . . . ]
20. INITIATION ALONGSIDE EDUCATION
For the purpose of educating adults, the curriculum and selected literature should initiate students to a path to knowledge. In addition to their specific course content, these books should cover life lessons and include discussion on moral values and the ideology of the Thought Revolution. Lectures should include discussions on the philosophy behind the literature. Lessons in civil sciences, sociology, health, religion, and world affairs should include discussions on the challenges and possible solutions for the social, political, and religious problems that people are actually facing.
21. ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW SCHOOLS
Wherever needed, new schools should be established. The policy of starting this effort with local support and later handing the school over to a larger governing body is recommended. The required land should be acquired through the donations and sustained efforts and energy of the concerned members of the local community. A similar spirit should encompass the arrangement of the teachers’ salaries. The nature of this effort should be such that it encourages wealthier members of the community to come forward with larger contributions.
22. NIGHT SCHOOLS
Night and evening schools should provide an opportunity for those with basic education to further their skills and knowledge. Usually, for those with little education, the doors to adult learning are closed by the need to earn a living. Night schools can reopen these doors if people can set aside two evening hours to further their education. Deepening the education of those with little education is just as important as it is to provide basic literacy to the illiterate. Some organizations already have the capability to hold examinations for those engaged in long distance learning. Already existing systems should be used, and new examination centers should be established, if the need arises. These schools need not be free. A fee may be charged to help with the expenses of the effort.
23. THE EDUCATED MUST GIVE BACK
Giving back in the form of educating at least five people should be the resolution of each educated member of the community. Just as the rich give material resources back to the community, those with education should contribute to the knowledge base of their communities. This service is essential, akin to our duty to pay taxes and to repay any money that we may have borrowed earlier. If it is impossible to donate time, we should encourage financial donations to be used for hiring paid instructors.
24. READING ROOMS AND LIBRARIES
Reading rooms and libraries are essential. They should be stocked with inspirational literature that guides our lives in the right direction. We should not be swayed by the current overabundance and popularity of literature that tends to be racy and violent. Bad literature poisons libraries just as bad food poisons health. For healthy and beneficial libraries, close attention should be paid to the literature. The expenses should be raised via donation. The possibility of donated literature should also be considered.
25. INCULCATING THE LOVE OF LEARNING
To establish a deep interest in learning is essential for the creation of the New Era. Usually, we bid goodbye to our school books when we graduate and devote ourselves to our professions. We treat these books as a tool to get a job, rendered useless once we have the required a degree. We must change this belief. [ . . . ] We must spread the belief that knowledge is as essential to our mental well being as food is to our physical. [ . . . ]
