Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with Teachers and Workers

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

First of all, I extend my warm welcome to all dear brothers and sisters - teachers, workers, and those engaged in these two important sectors - and express my deep appreciation for the efforts being made in these two decisive fields.

These days are intertwined with the memory of the great figures of creation - the noble Prophet, the esteemed grandson, and Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him) - in a time that relates to education, training, production, and work, we must remember and mention the name of the Prophet, for he was the teacher of humanity and the banner bearer of education, training, and the respect for work and effort. He raised the cry of justice and the respect for humanity, removed discrimination in society, and emphasized spirituality and moral virtue in the world. Today, the echoes of those voices resonate in the historical space and the contemporary world. These should be praised as the commendation of the Prophet and the Imams, so that we recognize these great figures of human history and the chosen ones of creation.

Today’s gathering, which is a combination of the teacher and worker sectors, is always a valuable assembly for me. The combination is also a suitable one; it may not be apparent at first glance, but these two elements are completely interconnected. The foundation of civilization and human life is based on the utilization of natural and human resources. If there are natural resources but no human resources or they are underdeveloped, it is as if there is nothing in hand. Look at the underdeveloped countries of Asia and Africa during the colonial domination! They had natural resources; however, they did not have the opportunity to cultivate human resources. From the other side of their borders, clever, cunning, and unjust people descended upon them, plundering their natural resources and using them for their own livelihoods, increasing their power day by day. If there are human resources but no natural resources, again, something is lacking. A country that does not produce is not self-sufficient and does not cultivate; it does not consume its own labor and will always depend on others, be subordinate to others, and consequently, be obedient to others. This is another calamity that the oppressors and their international supporters have brought upon the oppressed countries of the past and today in some parts of the world. They fix their eyes on the gates, waiting for everything to be brought to them from the other side of the borders; they take pride in paying money for foreigners to work for them and send them their goods! I heard this pride from one of the influential figures of the tyrannical regime. Look at the logic; how childish and foolish it is! This is why a country must look to foreign producers for bread, meat, basic necessities of life, clothing, and living expenses; because it has not sought to cultivate skilled human resources; it has not exerted effort for itself and has not valued the worker and teacher.

Therefore, natural resources and human resources are the two main assets of humanity. The worker utilizes and makes natural resources usable; the teacher extracts, nurtures, and makes human resources available for society. These two are the fundamental pillars of society. What is important is that both the teacher and worker sectors, especially government officials and all people, recognize this high value and regard it with respect, understanding what a worker and producer means; they should understand the value of someone who transforms scrap metal into a beautiful and usable product. They should recognize the teacher and understand the value of someone who transforms an ignorant child into an aware human being, a fountain of initiative, talent, plans, and designs in all aspects of life, and where the reward and honor of this person lies; this should be understood by all.

When we look at the needs and shortages of the worker and teacher communities, the first thing that catches our eye is their material shortages - which, of course, exist - but the spiritual problems of these two sectors are less visible; that is, there is less attention paid to the appreciation and recognition of the status of the worker and teacher in society. There is a difference between an ordinary employee - who also works and serves and has value - and someone who dedicates their heart and soul in the classroom to elevate this raw material and this ignorant child to the high rank of knowledge.

In addressing the material and livelihood problems - as the gentlemen have reported here - good work has been done; however, it is not enough. Why is it not enough? Because addressing the livelihood problems of the worker and teacher sectors and other sectors depends on reforming the foundations of the country's economy. Suppose we increase the salaries of these hardworking individuals by twenty or forty percent; however, if we do not control inflation and secure the value of the national currency, whatever they gain this year will be of no benefit to them if it is lower than the rampant price increases; thus, we have done nothing for them; therefore, the essence of the work lies there.

My recommendation to the honorable ministers present here and to other government officials today is the same as it has always been: to focus on strengthening the national currency and regulating government expenditures and costs, to curb excessive spending and wasteful expenditures, and to observe complete justice within a more limited ministerial circle, removing unjust discriminations. These are actions that can bring joy to hearts, make people happy and hopeful, and restore their lives without monetary increases. If these actions are taken, even if there are no monetary increases, life will still find its natural and desirable rhythm.

Moreover, emphasis should be placed on the value and spiritual dignity. The worker and teacher communities should be aware that the slogans they give and the words they speak should not diminish the spiritual dignity and true respect in the eyes of the people for the teaching or working community. As we mentioned, needs are both material and spiritual; however, what encourages, satisfies, and makes a person happy is spiritual respect. Many are willing to preserve their dignity and not extend their hands to anyone or take money from anyone. A dignified person values spiritual dignity. Let us recognize the dignity that the teaching and working communities possess - which indeed has dignity before God, reason, and in social and human calculations - and hold it high for all to see. Which one of us has not bowed under the burden of a teacher's favor? Which one of us has not kissed the hand of our teacher? That is the value of the teacher. The value of the worker is so high that the Prophet kissed his hand. What can humble individuals like me do to take the place of kissing the Prophet's hand? Let us not forget these spiritual values.

Some in society speak and act in such a way that people's perception is that yes, the competition is about materialism; whoever earns more money and utilizes more is the winner; whoever utilizes less is left behind and unfortunate! This is not the case. This relates to the law of the jungle of modern animals! Yes; in capitalist systems where the struggle is over money and materialism, it is like this - because there is no spirituality - but in human society, virtue, honor, dignity, and spiritual value take precedence. Of course, this should not be an excuse for neglecting material needs and livelihood restoration; they must be addressed, and the way is what I mentioned: to strengthen the economic foundations.

Regarding the very important issues occurring in our neighboring Iraq, which have captured the hearts and eyes of the world, I will only say one sentence: The scene in Iraq has become a scene of lessons and revelations of many truths for nations. Those who have raised the banner of democracy in the world openly declare that in Iraq, the people have the right to bring the government we want to power! Is this democracy!? Is this people’s sovereignty!? They openly declare that if all the people of Iraq want an Islamic government to come to power, we will not accept it! The meaning of democracy from these gentlemen has become clear. American democracy is the same everywhere; even in America itself. A few years ago, an American figure who was not from the two ruling parties in America spent a lot of money and created a lot of commotion to participate in the presidential election. He came halfway, but they brought him down so much that no one would think that someone outside the usual two parties in America could come to power. Therefore, it is the same there. This is their democracy.

They have taken up the banner of fighting terrorism and still shamelessly repeat their claims; however, they cooperate with the Mojahedin, whose hands are stained with the blood of the Iranian people and the Kurds of Iraq and the Shiites of this country - who fought alongside Saddam against the Shiites during the 1990 Intifada in Iraq - the Mojahedin fought with the Saddamists against the Shiites! Terrorism is their work; they themselves confess and take pride in it; the world has recognized them as terrorists; yet America has sheltered them! It has become clear that terrorism is bad when it is not an American servant; however, if terrorism becomes an American servant, then it is very good and has no problem! This is a test; it shows what fighting terrorism means; what democracy means.

The English have made themselves known in the world for tolerance and leniency. Some of our cultural and intellectual elites take pride in becoming like them in tolerance and leniency. We saw the English tolerance in Iraq! Entering people's homes with guns, disrupting secure lives, frightening small children to tears, responding to the demonstrations of the people - whether in Baghdad and Mosul or in other cities we have not received news from - with live bullets; this is their democracy, compassion, and human friendship, and respect for human rights! These are scenes of lessons; these must be understood.

Of course, they are mistaken; they too will be overthrown like Saddam. If Saddam had the hearts of the people of Iraq with him, the American military force could not have overthrown him. Saddam did not have the hearts of the people of Iraq with him and did not hear their voices; these people also do not hear the cries of the people of Iraq and do not see their demonstrations and gatherings. They pretend that yes, we have allowed the people to shout! They shout, and you do not hear; whenever necessary, you open fire on them; what a people-friendly attitude! Since they do not hear the voices of the people, the same fate awaits them. However, not for as long as he remained; much sooner; because they are occupiers.

They should not attribute failures to this or that. The leaders of the American and British regimes should not come behind microphones and say that Iran is inciting. No, Iran does not incite anyone. The Iraqi youth who sees the tanks and the boots of foreign soldiers in his street and home does not need incitement. Where in the world have the brave youth and courageous women of a society tolerated the presence of occupiers that these people will tolerate? They have tolerated nowhere, and they will not tolerate here either; therefore, no incitement is needed. The main factor is Islamic awakening; they have understood this well. This is not limited to Iraq; today, wherever Americans, British, and their ilk appear and confront the people, they will feel the immense wave of the Islamic awakening. The Islamic nation has sensed the breeze of awakening and has inhaled the fragrance of returning to Islamic teachings. All of this stems from the great movement that you people initiated and from that great and heavenly man who was able to stir this ocean and awaken these hearts - the late Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) - they have understood this too. Their enmity with you, with the Imam, with the Islamic Revolution, and with the Islamic system is because they know that a spring has gushed forth from here and overflowed to the entire Islamic world. They said do not export the revolution; we said, is the revolution a commodity that one can export?! The revolution is like the fragrance of flowers; it exports itself. The revolution is like the spring breeze; it changes and transforms the stifled and rotten atmospheres. No one should export the revolution; the revolution exports itself.

My dear ones! My brothers and sisters! My children! Today, the eyes of the Islamic world are upon you. If you live correctly, orderly, and responsibly, and wherever you are - whether government officials or you who are engaged in practical work - work well and strive, you will be able to elevate your country to the heights of dignity, pride, happiness, prosperity, knowledge, and civilization, and you can encourage all Islamic nations to follow this glorious path; they too will break their chains and enter the path of prosperity, spirituality, material well-being, and human life, and God willing, they will advance.

We ask the Almighty God to grant us and you success so that we may recognize and understand our duties, which will please God and make us honored before the Awaited Savior, may our souls be sacrificed for him, and that which is our debt to the pure blood of the martyrs, God willing, we will recognize, understand, and act upon in the best way.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.