iberty is the
second. In the overcoming of disobedience, no other teachers are
needed. The method may be tedious; it may be many years before the
erratic will is finally led to work in orderly channels; but there is
no possibility of abridging the process. There is no short and sudden
cure for disobedience, and the only hope for final cure is the steady
working of these two great forces, _example_ and _liberty._
To illustrate the principles already indicated, we will consider some
specific problems together with suggestive treatment for each.
[Footnote A: Jean Paul Richter, "Der einsige." German writer and
philosopher. His rather whimsical and fragmentary book on education,
called "Levana," contains some rare scraps of wisdom much used by
later writers on educational topics.]
[Footnote B: Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher and Scientist. His
book on "Education" is sound and practical.]
[Footnote C: Freidrich Froebel, German Philosopher and Educator,
founder of the Kindergarten system, and inaugurator of the new
education. His two great books are "The Education of Man" and "The
Mother Play."]
[Footnote D: "The Ordeal of Richard Feveril," by George Meredith.]
[Footnote E: Tiedemann, German Psychologist.]
QUICK TEMPER.
This, as well as irritability and nervousness, very often springs from
a wrong physical condition. The digestion may be bad, or the child
may be overstimulated. He may not be sleeping enough, or may not
get enough outdoor air and exercise. In some cases the fault appears
because the child lacks the discipline of young companionship. Even
the most exemplary adult cannot make up to the child for the influence
of other children. He perceives the difference between himself
and these giants about him, and the perception sometimes makes him
furious. His struggling individuality finds it difficult to maintain
itself under the pressure of so many stronger personalities. He makes,
therefore, spasmodic and violent attempts of self-assertion, and these
attempts go under the name of fits of temper.
The child who is not ordinarily strong enough to assert himself
effectively will work himself up into a passion in order to gain
strength, much as men sometimes stimulate their courage by liquor. In
fact, passion is a sort of moral intoxication.
[Sidenote: Remedy--Solitude and Quiet]
But whether the fits of passion are physical or moral, the immediate
remedy is the same--his environment mu
|