A Thought!

You had been in the audience on May 22, 1937, in Copenhagen, when Dr. Maria Montessori spoke about peace and education. What do you think of these ideas? Are they relevant today in 2024?

The sole pursuit of self advancement, takes nations into war. 

While peace is a hallowed objective, it has stayed out of reach persistently. Education has the ability to widen human perspectives & sense of identity —  To go from self, to family to community to nation & finally  to the world at large. “ Vasudhaiva kutumbakam .” (The world is my family - Upanishads. )

Education today is myopic, focussing upon certain aspects of development.  It does not guide us to be in harmony with our surroundings & work for its betterment. Education is pivotal to peace and our world needs educational reforms. Therefore - The role of the classrooms becomes more complex than it is and the child becomes our hope for a new society - A harbinger of peace for a new world, not torn with conflicts of war. 

However, this child is caught in a perpetual war with adults due to the latters limited comprehension of human development.  These pillars of support,  end up creating selfish humans fraught with behavioural deviations. 

“The lack of understanding between the child and the adult precipitates the tragedy of the human heart, which in later life manifests itself in a lack of sensitivity in sloth and in criminality. Those who have been humiliated are ashamed of themselves, the timid withdraw into their shells, the fearful seek their own personal comfort. All the potential wealth of man’s personality comes to nothing.” — (Maria Montessori, Education and Peace ,Volume 10)

A scientific understanding of the child psychology , enables us to provide an environment that is favourable for its self construction. Self construction is the big work that the child undertakes as a new born and continues tirelessly, until they  are ready to be a part of civilisation. For unhindered self construction to occur, the childs fundamental / spiritual needs must be supported in its formative years of development.

The Montessori method of education is prevalent as an effective medium of education & relevant, as an organic, inclusive methodology.  This century old, widespread ideology is accepted across various cultural diversities &  exerts  - The Montessori method  - As a way of life.  The Montessori ideology asks the adults in the child’s life, to be in service of creation of the complete human being.  The adult needs to understand the natural laws of development & present the world to the child, through various works. 

A carefully prepared environment, empowers the child to think freely, willingly & joyfully contribute to its work, thereby supporting its inner development. This environment is not oriented towards dictating work — but removing obstacles & facilitating independence,  which is crucial for self construction of the childs personality .

This environment is reflective of the world they will step into, because they would support the child to be;

• Inclusive and tolerant.

• Help with services & resources. 

• Give & take constructive feedback. 

• Understand group work for larger good. 

• Understand the joy of work. 

• Consistently maintain what they have around them. 

A careful scientific study of the childs psychology is crucial to enable education, to free humankind, rather than be subservient to empty needs & desires. 

Reference Reading :

• The Formation of Man by Maria Montessori (Volume 3)

• Education and Peace by Maria Montessori (Volume 10)

• Classroom Lecture Notes by Alison Awes