A.S. Neill was a man far ahead of his time in his understanding of the human mind and disposition. One might ask " How does an ordinary man get to having such extraordinary insight into human development?" Perhaps he took the time to understand the effect he had on the world and its participants. Transferring this insight to his work with children allowed him to be more accepting of the needs of young humans.
Summerhill School - A New view of Childhood by A.S. Neill
This book is an illustration of an educators passion for shifting us all towards enlightenment in regards to educating our children and living peacefully as a society. The courage Neill displays in changing what did not work and keeping what did is a lesson we all could benefit from.
Neill outlines the need to allow children the freedom to play and learn at a pace that makes sense and is relevant to them. Many of us are not ready to fully embrace this concept. However understanding it's merits can engage us in more meaningful learning experiences. Viewing children as people who are growing and developing and on a spectrum of constant change enabled Neill to accept the present. Accepting what is helps us see a clear path to what might be.
All can benefit from this extraordinary work of Neill. Courage in believing in your self and others will initiate great change on a global scale. His work gives a full account of how Summerhill was a school well ahead of its peers. It provided an education to students who might not have otherwise found success in other learning environments.
An extraordinary gem from page 72:
"The roots of neurosis lie in childhood."
It certainly gets the neurons going upstairs!
It is just amazing how passionate humans are! A.S. Neill I bet was a real sweetie. I am always in awe of the experiences the written word has to offer. A huge connection would be missing without the writers of this world.
Margit Barreras
