Too often, I think, children are required to write before they have anything to say. Teach them to think and read and talk without self-repression, and they will write because they cannot help it.

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.

I never taught language for the purpose of teaching it; but invariably used language as a medium for the communication of thought; thus the learning of language was coincident with the acquisition of knowledge.

The processes of teaching the child that everything cannot be as he wills it are apt to be painful both to him and to his teacher.

We are bothered a good deal by people who assume the responsibility of the world when God is neglectful.

We imagine that we want to escape our selfish and commonplace existence, but we cling desperately to our chains.

The truth is not wonderful enough to suit the newspapers; so they enlarge upon it, and invent ridiculous embellishments.