Liberty, Freedom, and Choice

"It is clear therefore that the discipline which reveals itself in the Montessori class is something which comes more from within than without. But this self-discipline has not come into existence in a day, or a week, or even a month. It is the result of a long inner growth, an achievement won through months of training." - Maria Montessori

When a child comes into the world they are completely cared for by adults. They have no freedom or responsibility. The goal for each child is to grow into a mature, independent adult. How does each person go from one point to the other? The key is to increase their liberty/freedom gradually over time. A six-year-old can be responsible for himself; a ten-year-old can be responsible for himself and those around him. The important thing is that the ten-year-old was given some freedom as a six-year-old, seven-year-old, eight-year-old, etc. so that by the time he or she is ten, he or she can independently make positive choices.