Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in a meeting with a group of university professors from across the country

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

I am very grateful for the statements made by our dear brothers and respected sisters. Undoubtedly, what is raised by the esteemed professors in this meeting will have an impact on the future of scientific work and research in the country. Do not doubt this.

Last year, when friends proposed ideas here, a group was tasked with following up and meeting with some of the proposers to examine practical ways to implement some of the suggestions. In this meeting, what you gentlemen have mentioned will also be pursued. Of course, I have some opinions regarding some of the viewpoints and statements of friends, which I will not address due to time constraints, but I will mention two or three points:

First, our perspective on higher education and research issues in the country across all fields should be optimistic, not pessimistic and filled with regret and sorrow. This is not because we should not aspire for progress and speed in this area—clearly, the more we advance in higher education and research and in warming the atmosphere of science and research in the country, the better, and we still have a long way to go—but because we must look at what has happened in the years following the revolution, especially in recent years, and recognize that we have made good progress and our universities have advanced well in this regard. As I have inquired and trusted officials—such as the President and some other officials—have reported to me, the research budget has significantly increased in recent years, and as trusted academics from various universities across the country inform me, thanks be to God, the field and work of research and the desire for inquiry in universities have increased and gained a good standing. This reflects our trajectory. Perhaps if it is a matter of expectation, my expectations from you are no less; I have high expectations for the advancement of such matters, and without this expectation, we will not progress. I do not want to advise you to have less expectation and anticipation—no; have them and certainly pursue them—but I want to say that the perspective should not be pessimistic and filled with regret. The perspective should be optimistic, and with this outlook, we entered the field and, by the grace of God, moved forward, and God willing, research in various fields will achieve its deserved growth; reality tells us this.

The second point is that I have, as some friends have pointed out, raised the issue of the software movement in the scientific environment of the country for several years. What does this mean? It means we should not be satisfied with mere acquisition; our goal in research and education should be the production of knowledge; that is, reaching the point where scientific innovations in the existing human space begin. In terms of talent, we do not lack compared to those who have produced knowledge in the world, expanded it, advanced it, and created complex technologies based on that knowledge. Of course, producing knowledge does not mean we should negate translation and acquisition; no, that is also necessary, but I say we should not stop at translation and acquisition.

Due to political, social, cultural conditions, and the issue of colonialism—which plays a significant role in what I am referring to—part of the world moved towards the peaks of knowledge sooner than another part and used a speeding tool to do so. This part utilized this speeding tool and advanced, and by increasing its functionality, achieved scientific accomplishments; while we, despite all scientific progress, are surrounded by numerous ignorances. The inhabitants of that part of the world made astonishing scientific advancements, and then their overall policy became to keep knowledge to themselves and not allow backward countries to catch up or surpass them! Surely you have heard much about the restrictions on certain advanced technologies that absolutely must not leak to any part of the world.

Colonialism played a role in the scientific advancement of one part of the world and its ability to colonize was derived from its level of scientific advancement, which it used politically. Like Britain, which used steamships for the colonization of India, and the colonization of India helped steamships evolve into more advanced vessels and further consolidate control over India and other regions. Thus, knowledge that was limited and confined to themselves was utilized for colonialism, and colonialism served knowledge!

We must extricate ourselves from the existing siege that third-world countries find themselves in. This is not only our duty but the duty of all nations of the world that have lagged behind in a period of the caravan of knowledge. I firmly believe—this belief is supported by the views of experts and specialists—that we can do this. We must erase the stamp of "we cannot" and "you cannot" from our minds, which has been a major part of the cultural policy of the enemies. Of course, I feel that we can also make progress in this area; for I now see you professors and students in student circles referring to the software movement and the production of knowledge as practical and active slogans. This is a great success that we have come to think of this, and this topic has become a slogan, a demand, and a request.

The third point is that all these efforts require not only money and talent but also proper management, which returns to the management sectors of the university; whether the heads of universities and faculties and research centers, or the managers of governmental bodies related to science, such as the ministries of science, health, and education. They have heavy responsibilities. Since apparently the esteemed ministers are present here, I would like to mention this point so they can hear and follow up: those who have managerial responsibilities in ministries and universities can play a very important and decisive role in this goal that is of interest to all of us, with correct discernment and attention to the subject.

Today, we have many talents in the country that must be identified, gathered, and directed, and they must be practically made to understand that we value their talents. The material issues and money and rewards—which were mentioned during some friends' remarks—are practical; however, they depend on the management of this work. Of course, the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution also has responsibilities and a role in this regard. The members of this council must also pay attention to these issues so that these aspirations can be realized.

The final point is that the issue of knowledge production is not limited to basic and experimental sciences, etc., but includes all sciences, including the humanities. We have particularly not made a proportionate and good movement in the field of humanities, contrary to what was expected and anticipated; rather, we have taken various concepts related to this science—whether in economics or in sociology, psychology, and politics—as if they were revealed from Western centers and origins and have embedded them in our minds as unchangeable formulas, and based on that, we want to act and organize our programs! Sometimes when these formulas do not work and fail, we blame ourselves for not applying them correctly; while this method is incorrect. We need research and innovation in the field of humanities. The fundamental materials and concepts based on which rights, economics, politics, and other essential areas of the humanities can be shaped and produced truly exist in our rich and profound Islamic culture, which we must utilize. Of course, in this area, the seminary and professors who are faithful and committed to Islam can play a role through inquiry and investigation. This is one of the areas where we must reach knowledge production.

One of the gentlemen spoke about economic issues. The problems he pointed out are mostly accepted by me; however, the reason that sometimes these issues are not addressed in the expert body is that the revealed doctrines from the West in the field of economics have entered their minds, which are intertwined with the political and exploitative objectives of companies, capitalists, and large corporations of the world, which have settled in their minds and may be partly correct, partly half-correct, and partly completely wrong, which must be analyzed and understood.

I thank the dear friends and Mr. Dr. Nadimi, who worked hard to manage the session. I am happy that more individuals were ready and willing to speak. Therefore, this session is intended to be a friendly, informal, and non-official one. The most I gain from this session is to participate in an environment composed of scholars to discuss issues that are recognized as important by them. This session will also influence the decision-making atmosphere of the country; as government officials will become aware of what is said here; it also provides our professors, scholars, and intellectuals the opportunity to think about the most important issue that concerns them and to know that it can be raised and disseminated in the atmosphere and influence decision-making. This is valuable for us. In addition, I also benefit from what you gentlemen have expressed. God willing, may you be successful and supported.

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