In brief, the assumption of superiority by man will continue to be depressing
to the ambition of woman, as if her attainment to equality was creationally
impossible; woman’s aspiration toward advancement will be checked by it, and
she will gradually become hopeless. On the contrary, we must declare that her
capacity is equal, even greater than man’s. This will inspire her with hope
and ambition, and her susceptibilities for advancement will continually
increase. She must not be told and taught that she is weaker and inferior in
capacity and qualification. If a pupil is told that his intelligence is less
than his fellow pupils, it is a very great drawback and handicap to his
progress. He must be encouraged to advance by the statement, “You are most
capable, and if you endeavour, you will attain the highest degree.”
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in
1912”, pp. 76–77) [105]