A flower does not reach its colour and charm by itself; it needs a gardener. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá begins with that observation and distinguishes two blessings, the capacity we are born with and the perfections we acquire, before asking what it takes to move from one to the other. Land left alone becomes a thicket of weeds; a lamp needs an igniter; seeds concealed beneath the earth stay seeds. Human beings require education that is material, intellectual and spiritual at once, and an educator equal to all three must be distinguished above all others, which is why the argument arrives at divine revelation. Yet the learner is no mere vessel: independence of a teacher is impossible, but perception and discovery remain one’s own, and the aim is understanding rather than dependence. Plato describes education as turning a power already present in the soul toward what it should see [1], a philosophical companion to this theology of cultivation. From here the way continues toward the Manifestation of God as educator, the education of children, and universal education as the means by which what is learned becomes a benefit to others.
Apart from the human world observe the rest of creation, how each and every created things is in need of training by an educator. Without education they will not attain perfection. For instance, this flower cannot by itself reach this perfection and attain this charm, color and loveliness.
Thus, there are two great blessings in the world of existence: one is innate capacity which is bestowed by the Creator; and the other, acquired perfections which depend upon training by a teacher and educator.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr Wilhelm and others, spoken on 1912-Nov-15 -- ABU2331)
02
Therefore, for the manifestation of these luminous divine realities within this delicate godly lamp, a mover and educator is necessary, and for this candle an igniter is required.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1915-Sep-13, to Hasan brother of Mulla Mihdi (Ardabil) -- AB06941)
03
Therefore, the True Educator and the Divine Teacher is needed and absolutely essential, so that those hidden lights and divine mysteries may come forth from the invisible realm and be revealed in the visible plane. Otherwise, they will be deprived of growing and defective like unto seeds concealed beneath the earth.
It is therefore clear and evident that man stands in need of an educator. This educator must undeniably be perfect in every way and distinguished above all men. For if he were like others he could never be their educator, particularly since he must at once be their material, human and spiritual educator.
… It has thus been established by rational arguments that the world of existence stands in utmost need of an educator, and that its education must be achieved through a celestial power. There is no doubt that this celestial power is divine revelation, and that the world must be educated through this power which transcends human power.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 3, The Need for an Educator, 1904-Jun ca. -- AB00081)
05
As to the question of souls' independence in receiving from the Sun of Reality, it is clear that all humanity needs education. Given this need for education, how can independence be conceived? Is it possible for any individual to acquire by himself, without a teacher, all human perfections? Thus independence is not possible. Yes, even while learning and receiving from others, man has his own feelings and perceptions and can make new discoveries, but he cannot dispense with teacher and educator.
If every man knew what was best for his health, if every man could teach himself, if every soldier knew how to fight by himself, if every passenger could sail the ship, what need would there be for the doctor, for the teacher, for the general or for the captain? As he has not this wisdom he must first ascertain their truth and then follow their directions. Until he does this he cannot advance.
If mankind come under the training of these real teachers and be directed to true understanding and knowledge, all will be manifested and made known.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Myron Phelps and Madame Canavarro in Dec. 1902 -- ABU0927)
08
He has capacity but needs a teacher to explain divine matters and open his eyes and ears as they should be opened.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Prince Muhammad Rida Muqarrab -- AB05675)
09
Thus, as it is proven and confirmed by invincible argument that all in existence are in need of instruction, it is therefore proven that the creature is not perfect--it has need of an educator.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Alma Albertson et al, spoken on 1900-Dec-02 -- ABU0272)
10
It is evident, therefore, that the world of nature is incomplete, imperfect until awakened and illumined by the light and stimulus of education.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Maxwell home on 1912-Sep-03 -- ABU0104)
11
The purpose and object of schools, colleges and universities is to educate man and thereby rescue and redeem him from the exigencies and defects of nature and to awaken within him the capability of controlling and appropriating nature's bounties. If we should relegate this plot of ground to its natural state, allow it to return to its original condition, it would become a field of thorns and useless weeds, but by cultivation it will become fertile soil, yielding a harvest.
… Therefore, it is not intended that the world of humanity should be left to its natural state.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address at Stanford University on 1912-Oct-08 -- ABU0008)
12
When we look upon the kingdoms of creation below man, we find three forms or planes of existence which await education and development. For instance, the function of a gardener is to till the soil of the mineral kingdom and plant a tree which under his training and cultivation will attain perfection of growth. … As to the human world: It is more in need of guidance and education than the lower creatures.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to a group of Baha'i women at Hotel La Salle in Chicago, 1912-May-02 -- ABU0900)
13
God in his wisdom has created all things. Nothing has been created without a special destiny, for every creature has an innate station of attainment. … Each kingdom of nature holds potentialities and each must be cultivated in order to reach its fulfillment.
Unless we dig and plant a piece of ground, and have a gardener to care for the plants, we can have no garden; we shall have no beautiful flowers or plants, but there will be wild forest instead. So, also, with children, unless they have some one to rear them and care for them and cultivate their minds, they would become like wild animals.
If there were no defects, there would be no need of training, culture and education, but inasmuch as we find that children need training and schooling, it is a conclusive proof that the world of nature must be developed. Many things show this clearly. One of the basic evidences is the survival of the fittest in the animal kingdom, their ignorance, sensuality and unbridled instincts and passions. Therefore, in the natural world there is need of an Educator and Teacher for mankind.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Parsons home on 1912-Nov-07 -- ABU0280)
16
Thus it is clear and evident that They are the first educators, the universal educators, the general educators, the educators of the human world, and whoever engages in the education of children following Their teachings has followed the Prophets and saints of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Jan. 1909 -- ABU1077)
17
This world is like unto an orchard, there must needs be a gardener. The world is a great school; we must have teachers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to an Indian scholar, spoken on 1914-Mar-25 -- ABU1631)
18
Everything and every created being must have a guardian or cultivator to assist in making the change from one condition to the other. The flower requires the gardener. To change water into wine there must be someone to assist in the matter.
Thus there is nothing to prevent man from blameworthy behavior except education, and education is of two kinds: One kind is physical education which prevents man from obvious crime, and the other kind is divine education which prevents both obvious and hidden crime and transgression.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jan-24 in Paris -- ABU1692)
20
This finally bring us to the conclusion, that the world of humanity, including all the lower kingdoms, is in need of education.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to H.E.H et al, spoken on 1913-Nov-03 -- ABU0605)
21
Therefore man needs a teacher; for, in order that he may acquire this perfection, some one must aid him in bringing it forth. The gaining of Wisdom requires a teacher.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Myron Phelps and Madame Canavarro in Dec. 1902 -- ABU1221)
22
It remains for something to come from outside to make them organize and advance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1912-Oct-04 in San Francisco -- ABU2953)
23
[One evening 'Abdu'l-Baha was in the little garden outside the house. A number of us pilgrims were present. Calling attention to trees and flowers He had planted, He said in part: "This was a place for dirt and refuse and loathsome to look upon. During the days when Akka was in confusion and the whirlwind of tests was violent, and a rumor persisted that they were about to banish us to a remote place, we were engaged in planting these trees and flowers, and laying out this garden. Now this has become such a delightful place. How surprising indeed is the assertion made by some people that existence needs no trainer! Were it not for the direct result of care and training, this place would have ever remained a heap of dirt and refuse." Then He walked toward the house, followed by us all. In the sitting-room, downstairs, He resumed the above conversation to the following effect:]
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to pilgrims in June 1906 -- ABU0279)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
24
The gardeners of the world of humanity are the Prophets of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 49, The Evolution of Species, 1904 ca. -- AB00167)
25
It is evident, therefore, that man is in need of divine education and inspiration, that the spirit and bounties of God are essential to his development. That is to say, the teachings of Christ and the Prophets are necessary for his education and guidance. Why? Because They are the divine Gardeners Who till the earth of human hearts and minds.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Morey home on 1912-Aug-29 -- ABU0019)
26
This is why an educator is necessary - without an educator, a human being does not become truly human. And the Prophets are the first educators of the world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1910-Jan-19 -- ABU1031)
27
When asked if it would be always necessary for prophets to come from time to time -- "would not the world in the course of events through progress reach to a full realization of God?" -- Abdu'l-Baha replied: "Mankind needs a universal motive power to quicken it. The inspired messenger who is directly assisted by the power of God brings about universal results.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU2958)
28
And know that God thy Lord created no people but He raised up among them one of their own selves to teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them and guide them to a straight path.
(The Báb, Letter to the Hanafi Imam, 1261-01 (Medina) [1845-Jan], to Imam-i-Hanafi -- BB00399)
29
People are observed to be as infants - they need an educator and one who will remind them.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-01-22 [1881-Dec-14], to Mulla Ali Akbar -- BH03300)
30
Consider how this black soil is decorated with multi-colored flowers through the Bestowals of the Sun, the downpour of the rain and the blowing of the winds! Although the earth was dark, yet through the benedictions of the four elements it was be gemmed with such fragrant roses! And produced such luscious fruits!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Apr-07 -- ABU1859)
31
Just at this time this light speaks with thine eye; the sun converses with the earth. In addresses it: 'I am most kind toward thee. I am pouring my rays upon thee. I am training thee. I am causing in thee the growth of flowers and hyacinths.' In turn the earth says to the sun: 'I am in need of thy favors. Were it not for thy beneficent rays my surface would not have been adorned with the roses and carnations. Pour then thy bestowals uninterruptedly upon me.'
Consequently there is a continual correspondence without the medium of speech.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Pleiades Sylvan Bower, Alhammeh near Tiberias, 1914-May-10 -- ABU2268)
32
O God! Verily, the world is in need of reformation. Bestow upon it a new existence. Give it newness of thoughts, and reveal unto it heavenly sciences. Breathe into it a fresh spirit, and grant unto it a holier and higher purpose.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at New Thought Forum on 1912-Aug-25 -- ABU0079)
33
That the world of nature is imperfect and needs education is to the wise beyond question.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Unitarian church in Dublin, 1912-Aug-11 -- ABU0010)
34
Among the proofs and arguments for the existence of God is the fact that man has not created himself, but rather that his creator and fashioner is another than he. And it is certain and indisputable that the creator of man is not like man himself, because a powerless being cannot create another being, and an active creator must possess all perfections to produce his handiwork.
… Thus the contingent world is the source of deficiencies and God is the source of perfection. The very deficiencies of the contingent world testify to God's perfections.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 2, Proofs and Evidences of the Existence of God, 1904-Jun ca. -- AB00815)