If education is always to be conceived along the same antiquated lines of a mere transmission of knowledge, there is little to be hoped from it in the bettering of man's future. For what is the use of transmitting knowledge if the individual's total development lags behind?

The exercises of practical life are formative activities, a work of adaptation to the environment. Such adaptation to the environment and efficient functioning therein is the very essence of a useful education.

The greatest sign of success for a teacher...is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist."

The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.

The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.

The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child’s whole personality.

Free choice is one of the highest of all the mental processes.