Concentration is the key that opens up to the child the latent treasures within him.
Interpretation
Concentration unlocks a child's potential and hidden abilities.
In this quote, Maria Montessori highlights the importance of concentration in the learning process of children. By fostering a focused environment, children are able to access and develop the innate talents and abilities they possess, enabling them to reach their full potential in various areas of life.
In practice
In a speech about early childhood education, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of creating attentive learning environments.
... the first thing his education demands is the provision of an environment in which he can develop the powers given him by nature. This does not mean just to amuse him and let him do what he likes. But it does mean that we have to adjust our minds to doing a work of collaboration with nature, to being obedient to one of her laws, the law which decrees that development comes from environmental experience.
When we want to infuse new ideas, _x000D_ to modify or better the habits and customs of a people, _x000D_ to breathe new vigor into its national traits, _x000D_ we must use the children as our vehicle; for little can be accomplished with adults.
Noble ideas, great sentiments have always existed and have always been transmitted, but wars have never ceased.
What we need is a world full of miracles, like the miracle of seeing the young child seeking work and independence, and manifesting a wealth of enthusiasm and love.
To aid life, leaving it free, however, that is the basic task of the educator.
It is fortunate, I think, that nature is not bounded by human reason and by laboratory work and experimentation, for by the laws of pure reason and by microscopic investigation, it might easily have been proved, long before this, that children could not be born.
Talent is a by-product of education; the quality of a country's human capital depends on it.
Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom.
Too often we forget that discipline really means to teach, not to punish. A disciple is a student, not a recipient of behavioural consequences.
Going back to my film education, I always have that voice in my head that's always screaming, 'Sell out!' And that's good: you want that, because it keeps you on your toes, and it's important to remember what's actually important.
A good example is the best sermon.
There should be no telephone in your writing room, certainly no TV or videogames for you to fool around with. If thereβs a window, draw the curtains or pull down the shades unless it looks out at a blank wall.
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