People seldom see the halting and painful steps by which the most insignificant success is achieved.

I cannot explain it; but when difficulties arise, I am not perplexed or doubtful. I know how to meet them.

Why, it is as easy to teach the name of an idea, if it is clearly formulated in the child's mind, as to teach the name of an object.

Every renaissance comes to the world with a cry, the cry of the human spirit to be free.

I am beginning to suspect all elaborate and special systems of education. They seem to me to be built up on the supposition that every child is a kind of idiot who must be taught to think.

Certain periods in history suddenly lift humanity to an observation point where a clear light falls upon a world previously dark.

If the child is left to himself, he will think more and better, if less showily. Let him go and come freely, let him touch real things and combine his impressions for himself.