Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the Iranian nation has gained access to advanced science and technology from all over the world but will exceed the current limits of science and progress without imitating foreign cultures and by depending on the country's proud history, rich culture, and special potential.
Speaking to thousands of enthusiastic youth and students from Hamedan province on the third day of his stay in the region, the Leader said that the gathering with the youth was meant to promote the culture of face-to-face conversation between officials and the youth.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the victory of the Islamic Revolution caused a general awakening in Iran.
He said that the Islamic Revolution presented a model for an Islamic republic and religious democracy according to which people should have the legal and respected right to choose and the power to initiate movements that are in line with Islamic goals.
Elsewhere in his speech, the Leader referred to Iran's preeminent position and the country's sensitive geographic location, adding that the country's abundant natural resources, great agricultural potential, large consumer market, historical background, and young and talented human resources have made world powers cast a covetous eye on Iran.
But the Iranian nation cut off the hands of global superpowers that were gripping their country and continued to tread on the bright path, he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the Iranian nation, and particularly the youth, can turn the country into the most prominent nation in the region through their determined planning and efforts and their strong will.
The Leader went on to say that willpower and determination can guide the people on the spiritual path.
"Are Iran's capabilities or Iranian talent less than those of developed countries that it should bow in humiliation instead of adopting a dignified approach for development?" the Leader asked while harshly criticizing those who believe that Iran must kowtow to the United States if it wants to achieve progress and development.
Referring to the monarchist regime's treason for keeping the Iranian nation underdeveloped scientifically, economically and politically, Ayatollah Khamenei said the most important goal of the enemies' cultural onslaught and the frightened elements is to convince Iranians that they are incompetent and must follow and imitate the West.
But the Leader asserted that the Iranian nation will never again accept these illusions.
At the time when Europe was living in the darkness of the Middle Ages, there were scientists in Iran such as Avicenna who made great contributions to the scientific knowledge and culture of humanity.
Therefore, with such a brilliant scientific and cultural background, the Iranian nation can and should quickly compensate for this scientific deficiency through proper means.
"On the basis of Islamic teachings, we must seek knowledge anywhere in the world and also pay its price, but we will not remain students of the pioneers of science in the world, since our faithful and dignified youth made a breakthrough in new science by producing stem cells for the first time in the world," the Leader stated.
The Leader drew a distinction between learning science from others and being culturally influenced by them, saying, "It is a wrong analogy that some think that since the West is more scientifically advanced than us we should imitate them culturally, socially, and politically.
"We as Iranian people are proud of our language, culture, country and history and see no reason to imitate others culturally," the Leader noted, adding that cultural imitation poses a great threat to Iran and the personality of each Iranian.
While approving of reform and diversity in dress and physical appearance, he noted that extremism in fashion is not acceptable and one should not follow Western models in changing the style of dress.
In conclusion, the Leader advised the youth to establish a deep and strong relationship with God so that He will bless them and help them in all stages of their lives and so they can contribute to the development of a prosperous Iran.