Statements of the Supreme Leader in Meeting with Participants of the Sixth National Conference of Young Talents

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

First of all, I must congratulate all of you dear ones who are truly the beloved children of this nation and the light of our eyes, for your presence in the assembly of the country's talents. Of course, this "congratulation" is like the congratulations given at a birthday party, where the person is congratulated for their birthday, while they have had no role in determining the time, date, or essence of their birth. This means that the Almighty God has given you an opportunity, and fortunately, you have succeeded in utilizing this opportunity to reach this point and become part of the assembly of true talents; this is a blessing for you. However, this talent, this ability, this activity that you have achieved until today is an entry into a path, the beginning of a path, not the end of a path; this must be kept in mind by all our dear young talents.

We are not satisfied, nor should you be satisfied, that our outstanding talented youth have been able to demonstrate their talent in one area, in one major examination; this is not enough, neither I am satisfied, nor should you be. My expectation and your expectation should be that this seed that has borne fruit becomes a flourishing sapling, and turns into a good tree that "bears fruit at all times by the permission of its Lord"; (1) you should become a fruitful tree that can provide its sweet fruit to this country, this nation, this history, and ultimately to humanity at all times and in all situations; this should be the goal.

As for today's session, I listened carefully to the points that these dear ones presented here. I acknowledge that the opinions expressed were thoughtful and good; not in the sense that one can endorse all these proposals from a technical perspective - this requires further examination - but from the perspective that one feels and sees that these opinions and proposals have been studied and expressed thoughtfully; this is very valuable to me.

Well, the respected officials in the parliament are present - a few of the esteemed ministers and the respected head of the Talents Foundation - I expect that the opinions expressed by these dear young people will be taken into consideration, worked on, and examined. Perhaps there are sparks that can lead to a great light and a widespread flame that illuminates the space. It should also be noted that these opinions have come from sincere hearts; this is also very important. In all the points that the friends mentioned and I noted the main points, one observes this: they arise from the sincerity and purity and the sweet feeling present in the minds and hearts of the youth, who feel a sense of responsibility and speak with hope and enthusiasm. This is one of those things that sweetens the atmosphere. When young people speak with that hope and enthusiasm and spirit, the atmosphere becomes vibrant; these proposals are often like this. Of course, these points are also thoughtful; that is, what the friends expressed did not seem to me to be crude proposals.

Well, the main axis of the country's progress is this. Our great Imam (may his soul be sanctified) in a significant wartime incident - many of you may not have even been born at that time - during one of the operations where a victory was achieved by the warriors, he sent a message. In that message, there was a point that the greatest victory of the Islamic Revolution is the education of these young people. Everyone expected the Imam to say that this victory you achieved is the greatest victory; to praise that victory; but the Imam did not, he thanked the warriors. However, he said that the greatest victory of our revolution is the education of these young people; that in those difficult conditions where the whole world stood against us with a grim face and weapons ready to fire, they were able to achieve such a great victory; the operation was called "the Path of Quds." I repeat this: the greatest victory of the Islamic Revolution is these young people. Real progress is that our youth, our talents feel a sense of responsibility towards the future; they define a vision for themselves; they envision and imagine a future for the country and feel it and express this feeling; that they are ready to strive for reaching this future. This is what exists today; this must be strengthened, this must be advanced. This feeling and spirit of enthusiasm must be intensified day by day in our society. If this happens, then your personal assets - this talent and this talent which is a personal asset - will turn into a national asset; see how good it is. One person converts their own capital into gold and currency and hides it in the safe of their home; where is this, and where is the one who converts capital into an industry, into a factory, into a valuable production work, and advances the country? By moving towards these goals, you are doing the second work; that is, you are converting your personal assets into a national asset, into the asset of the Iranian nation; this is very valuable.

Fortunately, the discourse environment in the country is in the direction of scientific progress; this has been established and settled, thanks be to God. The scientific movement in the country is a rapid movement - as global statistics also show - but my concern is that the sense of satisfaction we derive from this position and this situation may make us complacent, may diminish our efforts. I return to the first point, that my dear ones! You are at the beginning of a path, and the country is at the beginning of a path. See, due to the malice, weakness, despotism, and dependency of various governments we have had in recent times, we are lagging behind in the scientific caravan of the world. It can almost be said that we are three centuries behind. We have been negligent. The political leaders of the country, the rulers of the country became engrossed in indulgence and addressing personal needs and arrogance and global arrogance towards the people; they became oblivious to the conditions of the world; we suffered losses politically, and more damagingly, we suffered losses in scientific progress. In this race where we were ahead of others in past centuries, after the whole world began to move in a similar way, nations were able to achieve a means of rapid transportation, and they surpassed us; hence, our distance increased. Because they were ahead of us, they were able to achieve even faster means of transportation; thus, the gap widened - this is a metaphor - we who were stagnant, or at most relied on the remnants of others' works and creations, fell further behind from a world that was discovering new fields day by day. The Islamic Revolution came, awakened us all, ignited our efforts, and brought talents to the forefront. The speed we have today is tenfold, elevenfold, thirteenfold the conventional and average scientific speed in the world. This is very good, but the gap is large. If, for example, we continue this tenfold speed, twelvefold compared to the scientific progress of the world for twenty years - now when I say twenty years, I am not saying it based on precise calculations; I am just estimating - we will reach that point that is commensurate with the Iranian nation; commensurate with our history, our past, our scientific heritage, and commensurate with our importance. Therefore, we must not let this movement fall behind. If the movement falls behind, recovering and rebuilding it will be more difficult. And this is your task, young people. Young people must increase their efforts. Feel that both you are at the beginning of a long and important path, and the country is at the beginning of a long and important path.

Of course, I do not recommend at all that you be intimidated by the advancements of the West - absolutely not - those advancements are due to entering a stage earlier and relying on oppression and global arrogance and colonialism. If the British had not colonized India, Burma, and that wealthy region of Asia, and had not seized its wealth - which the Indians themselves depicted very well in a historical period - they certainly could not have reached this point. They sucked the wealth from others like leeches and fattened themselves; we do not want to do this. We are in no way seeking to suck from others. We strengthen endogenous and internal growth, and we believe it is possible, and God willing, we will move forward. Therefore, this first point is that we should not let the movement fall behind.

The second point is that both the officials and managers of the relevant organizations have responsibilities regarding the scientific movement, and the talents themselves have responsibilities. I was pleased to see that several of our dear young people here stated that they do not see themselves as demanding from the system, nor demanding from the people - they expressed this in essence - they see themselves as individuals who can serve these people and are obliged to perform this service. This is a very good spirit. At the same time, there are responsibilities.

Of course, the officials have worked well. I have reviewed and received close reports. You know I usually do not rely on the reports that friends and managers present. Well, the reports that are officially stated are often desirable and beautifully colored reports; one can discover through other means. In addition to the fact that the reports provided by the managers were good reports and today the head of the foundation also mentioned them, I investigated through other means and found that the Talents Foundation is indeed doing good work and the efforts are very commendable.

Well, one point is that in the field of technical sciences and the field of humanities, the criteria are dual. Of course, now a dear young person also distinguishes between pure sciences and industrial and technical sciences; this is also a noteworthy point. However, there is a distinction between the criteria of talent and excellence in technical sciences and humanities. The metrics are not the same, the criteria are not uniform; this point should be noted. We need to achieve new heights, prominence, and innovations in the field of humanities - which is a very fundamental need of our country today - this is the key to the ultimate and foundational progress of the country. Therefore, it is necessary to select the criteria correctly.

Another point is that support for talents should primarily mean creating opportunities for research, education, and progress. Of course, I am in no way opposed to financial and material support and such things; rather, it is necessary for those works to be done; but more importantly, it is that the talent feels that there is a scientific breathing space. What is repeatedly conveyed to us is that the talents and elites wish for a wide field where they can thrive according to their talent and superior abilities; this must be provided. Of course, this has various pathways. Identifying pathways, presenting pathways, and proposals is not our job; it is the job of the relevant experts. Of course, today the young people also provided some opinions. This must be ensured so that the talent can feel that there is a field for work and progress for them.

Another point is that we should bring the issue of respecting talents and looking at talents into a networked state. We identify the talent, select them, assist them, and provide stability in their talent movement; this is not enough. A constructive networked movement and a cycle must be created, which begins with nurturing and creating talents; that is, mentoring. The root and foundation are in education; just as one of the young people said. We must identify and nurture talented individuals, then among them, selection and choice are necessary; some are more talented, some have superior abilities; selecting the best. After that, it is about maintaining and promoting; not just maintaining, but maintaining along with promotion and progress. Help this talent, if today they are ranked tenth, to reach the first rank in the not-too-distant future; to be promoted. Then this talent should enter the cycle of talent creation - that is, to become networked - this talent should become a talent creator and nurturer. In this case, an endogenous state will arise and the movement will be multiplied. If we adopt such an approach, it seems that progress will be made.

Another point that pertains to the respected officials relates to the strategic document for talents; which has been proposed. Fortunately, something good has been prepared. I have not seen it myself, but friends who have reviewed it judge that this strategic document has been very well and comprehensively prepared. Well, at one stage it has also been approved by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, but it must be quickly approved and promptly communicated. Once communicated, all organizations should cooperate and synergize in its implementation. If the strategic document for talents - as it has been conveyed to me - is approved and communicated, many of these questions and ambiguities will be resolved on their own.

However, regarding your responsibilities, dear talents. We have stated that you should see yourselves at the beginning of the path. Strive to remain at the level of talent. Today you are talented, but it is a competition; the scientific level of the country may reach a point where this level is no longer a standard of talent; it may require one to reach a higher standard. We have stated in the twenty-year outlook document that by the year 1404, we should be ranked first in the region scientifically. Some officials say, "You said by the year 1404, but now that it is 1391, we are ranked first in the region scientifically." Well, this statement is correct; but this is not the point. Now is not the end of the road, we are in the middle of the road, we are at the beginning of the work. You must be able to maintain this first rank from 1391 - which is this year - until 1404; see what is required to maintain this. A single "let's go" and a single leap is good; you reached the first rank; but others are not sitting idle. In the region, others also want to be ranked first, to be ranked higher; they are also striving. Therefore, you must be able to maintain this talent. The same applies to you as individuals; you must have an impact. As we stated, in this network of talents, you must be able to guide the environment around you towards becoming talented; this is an important task, one of the important duties of talents.

Another responsibility that I noted is to direct your efforts towards the needs of the country. Of course, this is also present in the statements of friends; in the student and university meetings that I have had during Ramadan and outside of Ramadan, this is repeated; but it must be realized, it must be put into practice. Now we are being reported that seventy percent of our scientific articles do not pertain to the needs of the country. I do not know how accurate this statistic is, but this is what is reported to me. You work so hard, prepare scientific articles, and only thirty percent of these scientific articles should pertain to the needs of the country, not seventy percent! Well, one feels a loss. One hundred percent of scientific work, scientific efforts, and the preparation of scientific articles should pertain to your needs. You should collaborate with I.S.I on this basis. Where the accepted I.S.I article is something that you can utilize in the country, pursue it. We have a fundamental criterion at hand; our criterion is that our country has hundreds of gaps, problems, and deficiencies, and we want to fill these. This is also a very fundamental point. Of course, this requires more than anything the same systematic approach that one of the friends pointed out, and the efforts that the Talents Foundation must undertake in this regard.

My other recommendation is that dear ones! Take care of yourselves. My meaning is not physical care. Take care in spirituality, in self-purification; this will help you. We must be able to create an acceptable face before God for ourselves. You are young; your hearts are pure, your spirits are clear. Achieving spiritual and moral ranks at the ages you are at is perhaps ten times easier for someone of my age. You can gain attention, you can seek intercession, you can become close to God, you can keep yourselves away from sins; one of the characteristics of youth is this. For example, look at the body of a young gymnast in its various movements, see how flexible the muscles and joints of their body are; which an older person like me cannot create even one-hundredth of that for themselves. This flexibility is a capability. The same exists in the spirit; in the human soul, in the human heart. You can direct yourselves towards elevated and sublime spiritual meanings; consider this for yourselves. Attention to prayer, diligence in prayer, has a great impact. Reading prayer with attention, reading it on time, reading it with presence of heart, reading it with concentration, has a very, very significant effect. Being close to the Quran is very good. Read a portion of the Quran every day, even half a page; be careful not to neglect it. Open the Quran; read half a page, two verses, with attention. These are continuous. This is the care for spirituality and self-purification. Let a scientific talent - who God willing will one day be at the peak of knowledge - be so immersed in spirituality that they can use this knowledge purely and one hundred percent for the benefit of humanity. When your heart is with God, your knowledge will not be used for atomic bombs or poisonous weapons or destructive economic methods that ruin the wealth of nations. Today, the world's economic scientists, atomic scientists, various scientists in biological sciences, many of their scientific products are used in the destruction of humanity, the annihilation of human bodies or souls. It is knowledge that can create a deadly narcotic substance like those that exist today; these have also come into existence through knowledge; these are the great betrayals of the owners of knowledge; due to heedless hearts, eyes greedy for money and worldly life and materialism, which completely forget spirituality. When you are disciplined, your knowledge will be one hundred percent for the benefit of humans. This is the first care.

The next care is care in thought. It has been said that the greatest worship is thought; thought about creation, thought about human duties, thought about worldly life, thought about the hereafter, thought about the political situation of the world, thought about the fundamental and essential issues of human life. We have transformation in knowledge and progress in knowledge, we must also achieve progress in thought. Thought and reflection delineate the line, direction, and orientation of scientific, economic, social, and political efforts of societies. This is the second care.

Then there is care regarding the situation of your country; a correct and precise view of the issues of the country, analyzing the issues of the country. Today, our talents can do many good things in these areas. We are currently in a vast field facing the enemy; that front is not a weak front; it is not a destitute front; it has money, it has propaganda, it has media, it has knowledge, it has political power and capabilities; but the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic system stand firm against all its pressures. They exert all kinds of pressure; from security and military pressure and terrorism and creating chaos, to political pressure, to economic pressure, to sanctions, and such actions. The nation stands firm against all of these and has advanced. For thirty-three years, these pressures have existed, and the Iranian nation, the Islamic Revolution, and the Islamic Republic system have stood with bravery and capability; they have neutralized the pressures and have strengthened themselves.

In the current map of the world, in this collage that today depicts the status and position of political forces in the world and the political geography of the world, let us not lose our place, the place of the Iranian nation, the place of the Islamic Republic system; where are we? In what situation are we? Observe the power struggles, see the pressures, observe the failures of the enemy. Of course, the pressures are very high - from various sides - but the idea that we think that with a certain decision, with a certain measure and action, we have attracted the enmity towards us, this is wrong; this is not correct. The Iranian nation, because of its independent position, because of not submitting to the international system of domination, is subjected to these attacks. Because the nation has not submitted to this system of domination, they exert pressure to make it submit. Not only have they not been able to force it to submit, but it has also become more steadfast in its position, its power and capability have increased. This makes the enemies experience anger and excitement that leads to mistakes on their part; from which one can benefit from their mistakes. Therefore, our dear talents should know the position of the Islamic Republic system.

And I tell you; with the wealth of human resources that fortunately our country possesses today, we will be able to overcome all these difficult passes. Reaching the peak without passing through the passes is an illusion. Sometimes you are sitting at home - I often give this example - you look out the window and see the Alborz mountains where people are climbing from one place on a Friday or non-Friday. One imagines themselves alongside them and at the peak from within the same room they are sitting in; while they are not at the peak. If you want to reach the peak, you must start from the bottom of the mountain, move forward, endure hardships, sweat, get tired, endure numerous problems along the way, and eventually reach the peak. Reaching the peak in the example of mountain climbing is merely a sport; reaching the fresh air and feeling satisfaction and joy; but in the movement of a nation, reaching the peak means reaching the happiness of this world and the hereafter, reaching peace, comfort, and all the happiness that a nation can envision for itself. With the wealth that our country has - both human wealth and natural wealth - with God's grace, the Iranian nation will pass through all these dangerous passages and difficult turns and steep ascents, and God willing, will reach the peak.

I hope that the Almighty God keeps all of you safe; may He grant success to the officials in the important duties that are upon them, and God willing, day by day we will see you in progress and advancement, and God willing, may the Almighty God bring our country and our nation out of all these fields with dignity.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings

1) Ibrahim: 25