The Happy Child

Children naturally want to learn, Steven Harrison asserts in The Happy Child, so let them direct their own education-in democratic learning communities, where they can interact seamlessly with their neighborhoods, their towns, and the world at large. Part social critic, part humanistic visionary, Harrison not only describes a reorientation of education, but the possibility of rethinking our families, communities, and workplaces, and ultimately what gives our children-and all of us- real happiness.

Perhaps all that Education aspires to be is the prepration of the young person for their role in the larger society. This is certainly a good idea for society, but in the efficiency of producing citizen workers, are we missing the deeper meaning and higher purpose of learning? Have we forgotten about the spirit of the child, the purpose of this one life, the unique and fragile expression of a passionate and integrated life?

-from The Happy Child