467 Quotes by Maria Montessori

No one can be free unless he is independent. Therefore, the first active manifestations of the child's individual liberty must be so guided that through this activity he may arrive at independence.

If a child finds no stimuli for the activities which would contribute to his development, he is attracted simply to 'things' and desires to posses them.

The child's conquests of independence are the basic steps in what is called his 'natural development'.

There are many things which no teacher can convey to a child of three, but a child of five can do it with ease.

The child's conquest of independence begins with his first introduction to life. While he is developing, he perfects himself and overcomes every obstacle that he finds in his path. A vital force is active within him, and this guides his efforts towards their goal. It is a force called the 'horme', by Sir Percy Nunn.

Let us treat them [children], therefore, with all the kindness which we would wish to help to develop in them.

It is necessary, then, to give the child the possibility of developing according to the laws of his nature, so that he can become strong, and, having become strong, can do even more than we dared hope for him.

Freedom in intellectual work is found to be the basis of internal discipline.

Free choice is one of the highest of all the mental processes.