Rachel’s last post about music and the market reminded me of this most fabulous article by Leonard E. Read called “The Miraculous Market.”
Leonard Read was one of the greatest advocates for peace and human freedom. His advocacy for these principles was founded on a deep gratitude for human beings and the creativity they express. Read’s works are a great example of what Maria Montessori believed should be an integral part of education: inspiring gratitude for human beings and what they have achieved through social cooperation. In To Educate the Human Potential, she writes:
It is hoped that when this sentiment of love for all subjects can be aroused in children, people in general will become more human, and brutal wars will come to an end. But a love for science and art, and all that mankind has created, will not suffice to make men and women love one another. To love a beautiful sunset, or look with wonder on a tiny insect, does not necessarily awaken a greater feeling of affection towards humanity, nor does a love for art in a man beget a love for his neighbour. What is very necessary is that the individual from the earliest years should be placed in relation with humanity. There is no love in our hearts for the human beings from whom we have received, and are receiving so much in bread and clothing, and numerous inventions for our benefit. We take and enjoy all that is done for us without gratitude, like atheists who withhold their gratitude and love from God. Perhaps we teach the child to thank God and pray to Him, but not to thank humanity, God’s prime agent in creation; we give no thought to the men and women who daily give their lives that we may live more richly….Every achievement has come by the sacrifice of the sacrifice of someone now dead….
Let us in education ever call the attention of children to the hosts of men and women who are hidden from the light of fame, so kindling a love of humanity; not the vague and enaemic sentiment preached today as brotherhood, nor the political sentiment that the working classes should be redeemed and uplifted….
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