Character Training
The thing of paramount importance in education is character training. With regard to this, example is more effective than precept, and the lives and characters of the child's parents, teachers and habitual associates are factors of the utmost importance. (99:1)

The Prophets of God are the great educators of mankind, and Their counsels and the story of Their lives should be instilled into the child's mind as soon as it is able to grasp them. Especially important are the words of the Supreme Teacher, Baha'u'llah, Who reveals the root principles on which the civilization of the future must be built up. He says: - (99:2)

Teach your children the verses revealed from the heaven of majesty and power, so that, in most melodious tones, they may recite the Tablets of the All- Merciful in the alcoves within the Mashriqu'l- Adhkar (99:3)

Arts, Sciences, and Crafts
Training in arts, sciences, crafts and useful professions is regarded as important and necessary. Baha'u'llah says: - (99:4)

Knowledge is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words. Great indeed is the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world. Unto this beareth witness the Mother Book on the day of His return. Happy are those possessed of a hearing ear. In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him. - Tablets of Baha'u'llah, Tablet of Tajalliyat (99:5)

Treatment of Criminals
In a talk on the right method of treating criminals, 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke as follows: - (99:6)

.. the most essential thing is that the people must be educated in such a way .. that they will avoid and shrink from perpetrating crimes, so that the crime itself will appear to them as the greatest chastisement, the utmost condemnation and torment. Therefore no crimes which require punishment will be committed... (99:7)

.. if someone oppresses, injures, and wrongs another, and the wronged man retaliates, this is vengeance, and is censurable... If 'Amru dishonours Zaid, the latter has not the right to dishonour 'Amru; if he does so, this is vengeance, and is very reprehensible. No, rather he must return good for evil, and not only forgive, but also, if possible, be of service to his oppressor. This conduct is worthy of man; for what advantage does he gain by vengeance? The two actions are equivalent; if one action is reprehensible, both are reprehensible. The only difference is that one was committed first, the other later (99:8)

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