The factor which determines the course of this inner development is the material world with all its objective qualities, to which man must adapt himself in order to be able to utilize his own faculties freely.

Mario Montessori Jr, Education for Human Development

The cultural community with its standards, habits, patterns of behaviour, ideals, religion and knowledge of all other aspects of its civilisation determines the course of the child's inner construction.

Mario Montessori Jr, Education for Human Development

Man is an agent of change. He has the urge not only to adapt to the environment but to change it as he goes along and as his needs and his imagination dictate. This is the cosmic task of man: to continue the work of creation.

Mario Montessori Jr, Education for Human Development