 Painting of the Eye by Flannery O'Connor, Image by Grant Blankenship, GPB News (see also Attention) “Children should be encouraged to watch, patiently and quietly, until they learn something of the habits and history of bee, ant, wasp, spider, hairy caterpillar, dragon-fly, and whatever of larger growth comes in their way.” * “That the knowledge most valuable to the child is that which he gets with his own eyes and ears and fingers (under direction) in the open air.” * “Eyes and No-eyes. ––The method of this sort of instruction is shown in Evenings at Home, where 'Eyes and No-eyes' go for a walk. No-eyes come home bored; he has seen nothing, been interested in nothing: while Eyes is all agog to discuss a hundred things that have interested him. As I have already tried to point out, to get this sort of instruction for himself is simply the nature of a child: the business of the parent is to afford him abundant and varied opportunities, and to direct his observations, so that, knowing little of the principles of scientific classification, he is, unconsciously, furnishing himself with the materials for such classification.” * “Do you know how Eyes and No-Eyes went out for a walk? No-Eyes found it dull and said there was nothing to see; but Eyes saw a hundred interesting things, and brought home his handkerchief full of treasures. The people I know are all either ‘Eyes’ or ‘No-Eyes.’ Do you wish to know which class you fall into? Let me ask you two or three questions. If you can answer them, we shall call you, Eyes. If you cannot, why learn to answer these and a thousand questions like them. Describe, from memory, one picture in your mother’s drawing-room without leaving out a detail. Name a tree (not shrub) which has green leaf-buds? Do you know any birds with white feathers in their tails? If you do not know things such as these, set to work. The world is a great treasure-house full of things to be seen, and each new thing one sees is a new delight.” * “But, hearken; then as now, whoso would see The glories of the Kingdom must bring eyes; An ear must bring he who for hearing sighs. Wherefore, I say, My children, happy ye!” * “‘Jesus saw.’The regards of our Lord are always specially dwelt upon. He looked and he saw. In a more simple and perfect state of being we should all doubtless communicate with the eye instead of with spoken words.” Examen: Am I Eyes or No-Eyes? Do I afford the children under my care abundant and varied opportunities? What is meant by, “to direct his observations?” ~~~~~~~ Children should be: Charlotte M. Mason, Home Education, 1:57. The knowledge most: 1:177. Eyes and No-eyes: 1:265. Do you know: Charlotte M. Mason, Ourselves, 4:29 Bk.I. But, hearken; then: Mason, The Revival, 2018, 44. Jesus saw. The regards: Mason, Scale How Meditations, 76. Day 81 Eyes and No-eyes meditation/100 days copyright Laurie Bestvater 2025
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