A continent (Africa) which in sheer size equals the United States, Western Europe, China and India put together is awakening from the slumber of centuries.

What the shape of this world will be, even the most sophisticated African has, as yet, only the haziest idea. But certainly it will be a world where the old indignities can be forgotten and the dead weight of poverty, hunger and ignorance can be lifted.

Human nature does not alter very much, and nor do human needs, however strongly the winds of change may blow. The same is true of nations. The search is always for a workable ideology and rising standards of living.

A university is such a complex institution that it must be fully planned and conceived in every detail before its construction begins.

We have felt that everywhere that we start an institution for health today, it is more important to give the highest standard for medicine rather than to keep the costs perhaps lower than it would be if we were to give moderately good service.

By the way you conduct your daily lives, by the compassion you show to your fellow men and women, and above all by your faith in God, you will ultimately be judged.

With humility, tolerance and respect for each other, by honest work and straight dealings, you will earn the true friendship of your fellows. It does not matter whether you are wealthy or poor, whether you are in business or the professions, whether you work with hands or brain, your spiritual obligations are equal.

The Ismailis have always prided themselves on their highly developed social conscience. Our faith teaches us that we have obligations far beyond our own or even our family's interests.

There is no need to discard the great traditions of our faith. There is every need to adapt and invigorate them in the light of the quite altered circumstances of today.

No nation can prosper unless its people are alive to the civic responsibilities.