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.
Maria MontessoriThe first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult.
Maria MontessoriThe activity of the child has always been looked upon as an expression of his vitality.
Maria MontessoriNo social problem is as universal as the oppression of the child ... No slave was ever so much the property of his master as the child is of his parent ... Never were the rights of man ever so disregarded as in the case of the child.
Maria Montessori