"We understand civilization as a means by which humans may gradually adapt to their environment. If this is so, who experiences a more sudden and radical change in environment than the newborn child? Furthermore, what provision does our civilization make for the newborn, for this being who in the birth process must undergo an adaptation worse than sudden, who literally passes from one existence to another. The child thus incarnate is a spiritual psychological embryo. But just as the physical embryo, the spiritual embryo must be protected by an external environment."

"Having once understood this, the adult must change his attitude toward the child. The figure of the child as a spiritual embryo confronts us and imposes new responsibilities. Given such a responsibility, it is our duty to attempt to understand, also with the aid of scientific means, the psychological needs of the child and to prepare a vital environment for him."

Maria Montessori,
The Child in the Family