Education Today has to Allow for the Experience of Silence

There is no need for extensive explanations in order to make clear that today children grow up in a world that is characterised by noise and a hectic pace. This is also true — although to a smaller degree — for rural areas. Modern media broadcast a wide range of TV programmes into every house. The structure of this medium with its many pictures that follow one on the heels of the other hardly invites leisure and contemplation.

Maria Montessori recognised the importance of peace and quiet for young people and for man in general. Thus she tried to include the contemplative element into her educational theory in addition to elements of activity. The current discussion of primary school teachers on an education that enables children to experience quiet and silence is considerably characterised by Montessori’s suggestions. Of course one should not be content with the silence exercises Montessori developed herself but should — although critically and according to Montessori’s principles — expand the repertory of Montessori schools in this field.