The legendary statistical consultant W. Edwards Deming, . . . has called the system by which merit is appraised and rewarded 'the most powerful inhibitor to quality and productivity in the Western world' . . . it is simply unfair to the extent that employees are held responsible for what are, in reality, systemic factors that are beyond their control.

When we do things that are controlling, whether intentional or not, we are not going to get those long-term outcomes.

To feel controlled is to lose interest.

We have so much to cover and so little time to cover it. Howard Gardner refers to curriculum coverage as the single greatest enemy of understanding. Think instead about ideas to be discovered.

Children, after all, are not just adults-in-the-making. They are people whose current needs and rights and experiences must be taken seriously.

If unconditional love and genuine enthusiasm are present, praise isn't necessary. If they're absent, praise won't help.

The value of a book about dealing with children is inversely proportional to the number of times it contains the word behavior.