ighest social
development of mankind is not possible. Even granted that woman is
inferior to man in some degree of capacity or accomplishment, this or any
other distinction would continue to be productive of discord and trouble.
The only remedy is education, opportunity; for equality means equal
qualification. 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 endeavor, you will attain the highest degree."

It is my hope that the banner of equality may be raised throughout the
five continents where as yet it is not fully recognized and established.
In this enlightened world of the West woman has advanced an immeasurable
degree beyond the women of the Orient. And let it be known once more that
until woman and man recognize and realize equality, social and political
progress here or anywhere will not be possible. For the world of humanity
consists of two parts or members: one is woman; the other is man. Until
these two members are equal in strength, the oneness of humanity cannot be
established, and the happiness and felicity of mankind will not be a
reality. God willing, this is to be so.

2 May 1912
Talk at Baha'i Women's Reception
Hotel La Salle, Chicago, Illinois

Notes by Joseph H. Hannen

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. If it be wild and fruitless, it may be made
fruitful and prolific by grafting. If small and unsightly, it will become
lofty, beautiful and verdant under the gardener's training, whereas a tree
bereft