Montessori and the Bahá’í Faith

Abstract

The life and work of Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), scientist and educator, are introduced as relevant for the study of those investigating education in the light of the Bahá’í teachings. It is illustrated that Montessori was attuned to the spirit of the Bahá’í Era and that both her thoughts and actions showed understanding of such Bahá’í principles as the oneness of humanity, the equality of the sexes, the oneness of science and religion and a spiritual orientation to life. Her discoveries with children and view that they are key to the development of human society and ultimately world peace are presented in relation to Bahá’í writings on these subjects.