It is fortunate, I think, that nature is not bounded by human reason and by laboratory work and experimentation, for by the laws of pure reason and by microscopic investigation, it might easily have been proved, long before this, that children could not be born.
Interpretation
Nature transcends human understanding and limitations.
This quote by Maria Montessori suggests that human reason and scientific methods cannot fully encapsulate the mysteries and wonders of nature. If nature were confined solely to human rationality and experimentation, it could potentially be misinterpreted or discredited, such as the idea that children cannot be born. Montessori emphasizes the inherently profound and often inexplicable aspects of the natural world that go beyond human comprehension.
In practice
In a discussion about the limitations of science, this quote could emphasize the broader mysteries of nature.
... the first thing his education demands is the provision of an environment in which he can develop the powers given him by nature. This does not mean just to amuse him and let him do what he likes. But it does mean that we have to adjust our minds to doing a work of collaboration with nature, to being obedient to one of her laws, the law which decrees that development comes from environmental experience.
When we want to infuse new ideas, _x000D_ to modify or better the habits and customs of a people, _x000D_ to breathe new vigor into its national traits, _x000D_ we must use the children as our vehicle; for little can be accomplished with adults.
Noble ideas, great sentiments have always existed and have always been transmitted, but wars have never ceased.
What we need is a world full of miracles, like the miracle of seeing the young child seeking work and independence, and manifesting a wealth of enthusiasm and love.
To aid life, leaving it free, however, that is the basic task of the educator.
If the idea of the universe is presented to the child in the right way, it will do more for him than just arouse his interest, for it will create in him admiration and wonder, a feeling loftier than any interest and more satisfying.
But I know every rock and tree and creature has a life, has a spirit, has a name.
I believe in beauty. I believe in stones and water, air and soil, people and their future and their fate.
It is the abiding concern of thinking people to preserve what keeps men human-to save our contact with nature of which we are a part.
As we kill nature, we are killing ourselves, and God incarnate as the world as well.
I've sucked way too much cement for this year. Bad juju rising off them city sidewalks. I need to babble with a brook or two, inhale starlight, make friends with some trees.
The tree I had in the garden as a child, my beech tree, I used to climb up there and spend hours. I took my homework up there, my books, I went up there if I was sad, and it just felt very good to be up there among the green leaves and the birds and the sky.
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