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.
Maria MontessoriWhen the child goes out, it is the world itself that offers itself to him. Let us take the child out to show him real things instead of making objects which represent ideas and closing them up in cupboards.
Maria MontessoriIt is almost possible to say that there is a mathematical relationship between the beauty of his surroundings and the activity of the child; he will make discoveries rather more voluntarily in a gracious setting than in an ugly one.
Maria MontessoriAt about a year and a half, the child discovers another fact, and that is that each thing has its own name.
Maria MontessoriThe child is an enigmaโฆ He has the highest potentialities, but we do not know what he will be.
Maria Montessori