Reading Maria

One of the unexpected joys of writing Intelligence of Love was delving back into Montessori’s original writings. She was a gifted writer and orator, and her speeches and books are rich with her ideas and observations, and with lyrical, evocative expression, even in translation. 

As I revisited her words, I found myself wandering off on tangents, thinking about the panoply of human experience and psychology she called upon in a single paragraph. Sometimes a single sentence. 

Maybe it’s just me, but she is challenging to read. She expected patience and perspicacity from her readers and the audiences of her time. She did not compromise her intellect to make her reading more accessible. Nevertheless, the treasures she has to offer are more than worth the time and concentration. 

If you haven’t read Maria (not about her, not interpretations of her, but her actual words; and not just a familiar quote) or if it has been a while, treat yourself to a chapter or a lecture. See what jewels of understanding you find!